What Happened to the Snow?

What happened to the snow? That was the common question this weekend. Earlier in the week, it appeared enough cold air would be in place, with a low pressure system bringing in moisture from the south. The result would be snow, changing to sleet and then freezing rain.

By late Thursday, it appeared the low was moving a bit more in an easterly direction. Also, the high pressure (keeping the cold air locked in) across the coast of New England had a "blocking" characteristic to it. One that didn't appear to impact the storm in previous model runs.

We never expected a big storm. Even if everything went as forecast, we'd see only and inch or two of snow, and a little freezing rain.

So this quick shift in the moisture meant a major change in the outcome.

If you watched at 5pm, we noticed this shift to the east, and that it may not go as expected. By 11pm, it was obvious this was a no go.

Some storms are pretty easy to forecast, but this one required hand-holding. It changed as the night went on. "Stay with us for the changing forecast." Perhaps we say it so much that no one even listens anymore. Weather is like any other developing story, it evolves, changes, and often surprises.

This was a day where every weathercast was a new and improved one. If you missed one, you were out of the loop.

This week, I posted a poll question that asked: What are your thoughts of this winter?

Of the 655 that responded, most voted they wanted more snow. Here's the outcome:

#1 Answer: More snow, please
#2 Answer: Bring on Spring!
#3 Answer: What Winter?
#4 Answer: This winter was perfect.

I'd agree that a bit more snow would be nice, but I'm starting to get used to snow-less winters. What do you think? Click below to leave a comment.

Have a warmer weekend!
--Meteorologist Brent Watts