November 2006 Weather Blog

A strong cold front will move through the Ohio Valley Friday. There will be the possibility of thunderstorms and damaging winds. A High Wind Watch has been issued as winds could gust to near 60 mph! This same storm system will spread 6 to 12 inches of snow from Oklahoma City northward to Chicago. Locally we could see a few flurries on the back side of this system by tomorrow evening. Temperatures will take quite tumble from a morning high in the 60’s to afternoon temperatures in the 30’s.

Today’s Holiday Quiz

How many times in the movie “A Christmas Story”, does Ralphie mention that he wants a Red Ryder BB Gun? This was sent in by Becky Hazelton. Thanks Becky, this is my favorite holiday movie!

Answer: 28 times

Try to stump us on NEWS9 Sunrise by emailing me your holiday trivia questions toweather@wtov.com. I’ll mention your name and use your question on News 9 Sunrise. I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

NOVEMBER 29, 2006: SNOWLESS IN NOVEMBER

November will go down free of any measurable snowfall. A trace of snow was reported on November 3rd, 19th, and 20th. We average around 3 inches of snow for the month, but this year we will fall short. So does a relatively snow free November tell us anything about the upcoming winter? I looked back through the record books and found the following years with no measurable snowfall in November: 2001-2002, 1998-1999, 1990-1991, 1985-1986, 1962-1963, 1944-1945, 1941-1942, 1939-1940, and 1932-1933. Now for the total amount of snow that fell during those winters:

2001-2002: 25.7”

1998-1999: 39.2”

1990-1991: 17.2”

1985-1986: 46.3”

1962-1963: 53.4”

1944-1945: 28.6”

1941-1942: 34.2”

1939-1940: 47.3”

1932-1933: 15.7”

Average snowfall is 40.6 inches for a winter season, which means 6 out of the 9 winter seasons with no measurable snow in November saw below average snowfalls. Does this give us much insight into the upcoming winter, probably not? Looking into the crystal ball reveals a much colder December compared to what we saw this November. With cold air often comes snow. Stay tuned!

Today’s Holiday Quiz

If you were to purchase the “Twelve Days of Christmas” at today’s prices how much would it cost? This was sent in by Lisa Vrotos of Yorkville, Ohio. Thanks Lisa for the question!

Answer: $19,000

Try to stump us on News 9 Sunrise by emailing me your holiday trivia questions toweather@wtov.com. I’ll mention your name and use your question on News 9 Sunrise. I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

NOVEMBER 28, 2006: SIX DAYS OF 60’s

Temperatures have been running above normal since the middle of last week. The thermometer reached 65 on Saturday and we’ve been in the 60’s ever since. The current streak is 4 days but we should easily extend that streak to 6 days. These aren’t record breaking high temperatures, but considering its late November this is a pretty impressive streak of very mild weather. Look for this to come to a crashing halt by Friday. Enjoy the next few days as we may not see another mild stretch like this until March or April!

Today’s Holiday Quiz

In the movie ‘Home Alone’, Macaulay Culkin plays a boy who is left alone at Christmas. What is the name of this character?

Answer: Kevin

Try to stump us on News 9 Sunrise by emailing me your holiday trivia questions toweather@wtov.com. I’ll mention your name and use your question on News 9 Sunrise. I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

NOVEMBER 27, 2006: REMEMBERING THE BLIZZARD OF 1950

November 24-November 27, 1950, four days that go down in history as the greatest snowstorm in the Ohio Valley. Snow began falling on the day after Thanksgiving, Friday the 24th with 14.2 inches accumulating. Another 14.5 inches fell on Saturday the 25th. Another foot of snow fell during Sunday and Monday. A total of 44 inches of snow fell in Steubenville, Ohio.

Today, this storm remains the greatest snowstorm on record for the western Appalachians. Blizzard-like conditions made travel impossible; streets were clogged with several feet of snow. Nearly 30 inches of snow blanketed Pittsburgh; almost two feet covered Cleveland. West Virginia, western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio all saw snowfall totals greater than 30 inches.

This was one of the craziest storms on record. Try to comprehend that at the same time Buffalo, New York, was experiencing heavy rains, winds gusting to over 50 mph and temperatures in the 50s, Pittsburgh, located some 200 miles to its south, was coping with blizzard conditions with temperatures falling into the single numbers and heavy snow falling on southerly winds. The storm developed in North Carolina, moved north into Pennsylvania and then northwest over Lake Erie before it began to loop west, then south, then east over the state of Ohio. The Appalachian Storm killed 160 people.

You can read more about the Great Thanksgiving storm of 1950 by going to Severe Weather In Ohio.

Today’s Holiday Quiz

In the claymation Christmas special “Santa Claus is Coming To Town”, who was the narrator?

Answer: Fred Astaire

Try to stump us on News 9 Sunrise by emailing me your holiday trivia questions toweather@wtov.com. I’ll mention your name and use your question on News 9 Sunrise. I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

NOVEMBER 26, 2006: ENJOY OUR SECOND ROUND OF INDIAN SUMMER!

We're experiencing another episode of Indian summer, with a long stretch of sunny, warm days. Since Thanksgiving, we've had mostly sunny skies and temps around 60 degrees. Today, we were 3 degrees shy of breaking our current record high of 69 degrees (set in 1990). Sunday's official high was 66 degrees!

It is possible to have more than one Indian summer in one season, or have none at all. So consider yourself lucky! This warm spell will continue for at least another few days. Monday will be sunny with a high of 65! Tuesday and so far, Wednesday, also look sunny and mild. The normal high temperature for this time of year is just 47 degrees.

Drastic changes are coming by Friday. Much colder air with a chance of snow Thursday night and Friday! Looks like its back to reality.

This is Meteorologist Lisa Montgomery.

NOVEMBER 25, 2006: "I'M FEELING A BIT UNDER THE WEATHER TODAY!

Despite the beautiful weather, some of us are a bit "under the weather." Sounding pretty silly on the 6 p.m. newscast today, I thought I should explain I've got a cold and sore throat. That brought to mind the phrase heard often, "under the weather." Where did this come from, and how did it originate?

I thought about this before, so today I finally googled the phrase, and this is what I found:

It is a nautical term that was originated in the British navy. When a sailor was ill, he was kept below dock out of the weather, and thus "under the weather."

Hope this enlightened you too! Enjoy the sunshine. This is Meteorologist Lisa Montgomery.

NOVEMBER 24, 2006: ONE MONTH UNTIL CHRISTMAS EVE AND NO SNOW IN SIGHT

Yesterday was one of the nicest Thanksgiving Days in recent memory. A ridge of high pressure is keeping skies clear. All the cold, arctic air is trapped north of the jet stream which is running west to east across Southern Canada. By next Friday the jet stream will take a dive to the south allowing true arctic air to also slide south. My tip of the day: This is the weekend to string outdoor Christmas lights!

Starting today and continuing through Christmas I’ll include some holiday trivia during News 9 Sunrise. Today’s question deals with Jolly Old Saint Nick.

What is the average waist line of mall santas?

43 inches!

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com. I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

NOVEMBER 23, 2006: HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Today is a day to gather around with the family, eat, eat again, and then eat some more, and most important give thanks. We should be all thankful of the beautiful weather that we will experience today. In fact skies will stay sunny and temperatures will modify into the holiday weekend. Winter weather lovers hold on, you will be happy by next weekend.

Here are a few turkey tid bits, share them with friends and family as you gather around the dinner table today.

Wattle is the name of the skin that hangs from the turkeys neck

The best time to see a turkey is on a warm clear day or in a light rain.

Turkeys have heart attacks. When the Air Force was conducting test runs and breaking the sound barrier, fields of turkeys would drop dead.

Turkeys can drown if they look up when it is raining.

A wild turkey has excellent vision and hearing. Their field of vision is about 270 degrees. This is the main reason they continue to elude some hunters.

A turkey can run at speeds up to 20 miles per hour. They can also burst into flight approaching speeds between 50-55 mph in a matter of seconds.

Benjamin Franklin wanted the national bird to be a turkey.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com. I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

NOVEMBER 22, 2006: GREAT TRAVEL DAY

Locally you couldn’t ask for better weather for traveling. Just pack along the sunglasses and patience for those busy roadways. If your travels take you east and southeast along the mid-atlantic coast you will run into rain and wind. Most of the rain will fall east of the Appalachians in the following states: Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. This storm system will cause havoc for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York city. Watch our Garfield and Woody Wood Pecker as winds will gust upwards of 25 mph.

Back at home it’s about to get warmer as high temperatures climb close to the 60 degree mark by the weekend. Where’s winter? Late next week you won’t have to ask, trust me!

Richard Stickel is already thinking spring! He has some long day onions that he would like to plant. The problem though with long day onions is that they require long hours of daylight. How long? 14 hours. So when do we experience 14 hours of daylight? Not anytime soon. Length of daylight today is 9 hours and 45 minutes and we are still losing a minute or two of daylight each day. We will continue on this short day trend until December 22nd, the first day of winter. Then slowly but surely, the days will get longer. Unfortunately for Richard, he will have to wait until May 3rd to see 14 hours of daylight.

You can track the amount of daylight and darkness the area receives by going to this website: time & date.com

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com. I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

NOVEMBER 21, 2006: THANKSGIVING WEATHER

Get ready to loosen those belts, Thanksgiving is near! This year we have weather to be thankful for. Gobble up the sunshine this year and temperatures should climb into the upper 50’s. Unless you’re standing by the oven then it will be more like 350 degrees!

Do you remember last Thanksgiving? Those of you who lost power and weren’t able to cook the bird will likely remember the weather. Snow fell the night before with 3 inches on the ground by Thanksgiving morning. Cold air wrapped in behind the storm with gusty winds. Those wind gusts knocked out power for some, not the greatest of news if you have a bird in an electric oven! Temperatures plummeted into the teens during the evening and that biting wind sent wind chills near zero. So this Thanksgiving lets be thankful for the sunny and mild day.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com. I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

NOVEMBER 20, 2006: TORNADOES IN NOVEMBER

How many tornadoes does the United States average during the month of November?

According to the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) the United States averages about 102 tornadoes in the month of November. So far the United States has reported 20 tornadoes but after the past few days, many others have been spotted and reported in the Gulf coastal areas and the Tennessee Valley, but not yet verified.

Check out more tornado climatology at theStorm Prediction Center.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com. I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

NOVEMBER 18 2006: GEOGRAPHY AWARENESS WEEK

This upcoming week is Geography Awareness Week, sponsored by the National Geographic Society. The goal is to raise awareness about worldwide geography. And for good reason!!

A recent survey of 18-24 year-olds found that 20 percent of young Americans think Sudan is in Asia. It is actually the largest country in Africa! Believe it or not, 40 percent cannot find New York on a map!

This year's Geography Awareness Week is focused on Africa. There is a weather connection! Did you know that millions of tons of dust particles are transported from the North African desert region to the United States and Carribean eacy year? You can learn more about the environmental impacts of African dust and other similar topics by contacting the National Geographic Society.

This is Meteorologist Lisa Montgomery.

NOVEMBER 17 2006: REMEMBERING THE SNOW BOWL

Ohio State takes on Michigan this Saturday and as usual this one is for all the marbles. This game almost has a “Super Bowl” feel to it. Did you know that this is the first time that two unbeaten teams have met this late in the season (outside of a bowl game of course)? The weather for the big game is calling for partly sunny skies and high temperatures in the 40’s. The weather will be a lot tamer than it was for the Ohio State/Michigan football game on November 25, 1950. This game is simply known as the Snow Bowl! Check out this exerpt from the Ohio State University Monthly, the alumni magazine:

The game was played in the teeth of a full-scale blizzard, five inches of snow on the ground and snow whistling through the air, borne on a 29-mile-per-hour gale. Despite the fact it was the worst blizzard in 37 years in Columbus, the Ohio capital easily defended its title as the football craziest town in the nation. A total of 50,503 persons braved the elements, staying below deck, under the Stadium, until just a few minutes before the kickoff.”

The game had bearing on who would win the conference and go to the Rose Bowl, and had the game not been played the Big Ten title would have been given to Ohio State by default. Ohio State officials felt that they would never hear the end of it if this had happened.

The snow, wind, and insecure footing made the game almost impossible to play. Cold hands refused to hang on to the ball. At the end of 60 minutes of sliding and kicking, Michigan emerged on top of a 9-3 count.

The strategy of both teams became the same: run a play or two into the line – straight in – and then kick, preferably on third down because if a fumble occurred a fourth down for kicking would be available.

Ohio State scored first after Bob Momsen recovered a blocked kick and Vic Janowicz kicked a field goal. Michigan’s first score of the game came from a blocked kick that rolled out of the end zone for a safety. With 47 seconds remaining in the first half, Michigan’s Tony Momsen (brother of Bob) blocked a punt and fell on it in the end zone for a touchdown and the final score of 9-3.

You can view video of the “Snow Bowl” for yourself by going to Ohio History Central Web Site.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com. I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

NOVEMBER 16, 2006: WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS WEEK

What is the longest period with at least one inch of snow on the ground?

The answer is 64 days! When was it? January 8 through March 12, 1978. Snowmen were happy during the late 1970’s. The Ohio Valley experienced some of the coldest weather on record in the late 70’s. The winters from 1976 through 1979 all rank in the top 5 coldest winters of all time! Cold weather and snow will be here soon, so this week in conjunction with Winter Weather Awareness Week, we are preparing you for winter’s worst. If you were stranded in you car, what would you do?

TO PREPARE, KEEP EMERGENCY SUPPLIES IN YOUR CAR TRUNK. HERE'S WHAT TO INCLUDE:

A BATTERY POWERED RADIO, IN CASE YOUR CAR RADIO FAILS.

A FLASHLIGHT WITH EXTRA BATTERIES. A FIRST AID KIT AND MANUAL. PACK A BLANKET AND EXTRA CLOTHES.

INCLUDE A SET OF BOOSTER CABLES. THESE ARE USED TO START A CAR THAT HAS A DEAD BATTERY. A SHOVEL AND A BOX OF SAND COULD MAKE THE DIFFERENCE IF YOU'RE CAUGHT IN SNOW.

SNACK FOODS AND BOTTLED DRINKING WATER. AND FINALLY, A BRIGHT ORANGE CLOTH TO HANG ON YOUR ANTENNA AND SOME SAFETY FLARES. THESE WILL TELL OTHERS YOU NEED HELP.

PUT TOGETHER YOUR WINTER CAR KIT TODAY, JUST IN CASE.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com. I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

NOVEMBER 15, 2006: WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS WEEK

What is the lowest temperature ever recorded in the Ohio Valley?

The answer is -22 degrees! We’ve recorded this temperature a few times in our past, most recently back on January 19, 1994. Hopefully the mercury won’t dip that low this winter, but we occasionally see temperatures near zero during the winter. Keeping with the theme of Winter Weather Preparedness Week, today’s tips focus on keeping safe in the cold.

Exposure to cold can cause injury or serious illness such as frostbite or hypothermia. The likelihood of injury or illness depends on factors such as physical activity, clothing, wind, humidity, working and living conditions, and a person's age and state of health. Follow these tips to stay safe in cold weather:

Dress appropriately before going outdoors. The air temperature does not have to be below freezing for someone to experience cold emergencies such as hypothermia and frostbite. Wind speed can create dangerously cold conditions even when the temperature is not that low.

Dress in layers so you can adjust to changing conditions. Avoid overdressing or overexertion that can lead to heat illness.

Most of your body heat is lost through your head so wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears. Mittens provide more warmth to your hands than gloves.

Wear waterproof, insulated boots to help avoid hypothermia or frostbite by keeping your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.

Get out of wet clothes immediately and warm the core body temperature with a blanket or warm fluids like hot cider or soup. Avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol if you expect you or someone you are trying to help has hypothermia or frostbite.

Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia that can be a serious medical condition: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms. Recognize frostbite warning signs: gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, waxy feeling skin. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com. I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

NOVEMBER 14, 2006: WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS WEEK

During the middle of winter, you might hear me talking about an "Alberta Clipper." An Alberta clipper is an area of low pressure that generally forms over Alberta, Canada, east of the Rocky Mountains. Once an Alberta Clipper forms it usually moves very rapidly to the southeast across the United States. Clippers usually cause only light snow accumulation with very few producing major snowstorms.

You may have heard about Alberta Clippers but have you heard about the Saskatchewan Screamer? Similar to an Alberta Clipper, a Saskatchewan Screamer is a fast-moving winter low pressure system that sweeps from Saskatchewan, Canada, southeast into the United States.

Whether it’s a clipper or a screamer winter is fast approaching. Review over these tips for preparing your vehicle for winter driving.

HAVE YOUR CAR WINTERIZED BEFORE THE WINTER STORM SEASON. CHECK YOUR BATTERY, ANTIFREEZE, WIPERS, WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID, IGNITION SYSTEM, LIGHTS, HEATER, HEATER AND DEFROSTER AND OIL LEVEL.

IF YOU HAVE A CELL PHONE OR TWO-WAY RADIO, KEEP THE BATTERY CHARGED AND KEEP IT WITH YOU WHENEVER YOU TRAVEL IN WINTER WEATHER.

KEEP A WINDSHIELD SCRAPER AND SMALL BROOM IN YOUR CAR FOR ICE AND SNOW REMOVAL.

PUT TOGETHER A EMERGENCY SUPPLIES KIT FOR THE TRUNK OF EACH CAR WHICH SHOULD INCLUDE, BLANKETS, EXTRA CLOTHES, SNACKS, BOTTLED WATER, JUMPER CABLES, FIRST AID KIT, A FLASHLIGHT WITH BATTERIES AND A BOX OF SAND AND A SHOVEL.

KEEP YOUR CAR'S GAS TANK FULL FOR EMERGENCY USE AND TO KEEP THE LINE FROM FREEZING.

PLAN LONG TRIPS CAREFULLY. CHECK THE LATEST ROAD CONDITIONS ALONG YOUR ROUTE. TRAVEL DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS IF POSSIBLE. LET SOMEONE KNOW YOUR DESTINATION, ROUTE AND WHEN YOU EXPECT TO ARRIVE.

BE AWARE OF SLEET, FREEZING RAIN AND DRIZZLE, AND DENSE FOG WHICH CAN MAKE DRIVING VERY HAZARDOUS.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com. I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

NOVEMBER 13, 2006: WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS WEEK

It’s Winter Weather Preparedness Week in the states of Ohio and West Virginia, so this week we will get you ready for all that winter will dish out this year. There are three types of frozen precipitation, snow, sleet, and freezing rain. If temperatures remain below freezing from cloud to near the surface then you would see snow. If there is a layer of warmer air aloft in the clouds, the snowflake melts and falls as rain. This rain could refreeze into tiny ice pellets if there is a thick enough layer of air with below freezing temperatures. This is known as sleet. Rain that falls into a shallow layer of cold air near the surface will fall and freeze on contact. This is called freezing rain.

Become familiar with the following types of advisories that are issued during the winter:

SNOW ADVISORY -- A Snow Advisory will be issued when 3-5 inches is expected to fall.

BLOWING SNOW ADVISORY -- A Blowing Snow advisory will be posted for events in which visibility is intermittently 1/4 mile or less.

FREEZING RAIN / FREEZING DRIZZLE ADVISORY -- This requires that hazardous driving conditions be taking place and/or up to 1/4 inch of freezing rain on tree branches and/or if power lines break.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY -- A Winter Weather Advisory will be issued if conditions warranting two separate winter advisories are met.

WINTER STORM WATCH -- A Winter Storm Watch may be issued when conditions are forecast to meet the criteria for more than one warning with in the next 36 hours. A watch for a single winter weather event does not exist, for example a Wind Chill Watch or a Heavy Snow Watch. Just the same, if a forecaster thinks there will be significant snow and ice tomorrow, he/she will issue a Winter Storm Watch.

WINTER STORM WARNING -- A Winter Storm Warning will be issued if conditions are forecast to meet the criteria for two separate warnings in the next 12-24 hours. Example: If you have Heavy Snow Warning conditions along with Wind Chill Warning conditions, a Winter Storm Warning will be issued.

BLIZZARD WARNING -- A Blizzard Warning will be issued when the following conditions are forecast to last at least 3 hours. Falling and/or blowing snow frequently reducing visibility to less than 1/4 mile AND sustained winds or frequent gusts greater than 35 mph.

ICE STORM WARNING -- An Ice Storm Warning will be issued if freezing rain/drizzle is occurring with a significant accumulation of ice (more than 1/4 inch) or accumulation of 1/2 inch of sleet.

HEAVY SNOW WARNING -- A Heavy Snow Warning will be issued if 6 or more inches of snow is expected in a 12 hour period.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com. I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

NOVEMBER 12, 2006: WHAT YOU CAN DO TO KEEP WATERS OF OHIO AND WEST VIRGINIA CLEAN

One survey of water quality in Ohio's rivers and streams found more than 50 percent, over 21,000 miles, were impaired. A major source of water pollution in the U.S. is rain water that runs over urban and agricultural land, picking up pollutants along the way. When this water makes it into the storm drain, it is transported directly to our streams and rivers.

Water quality data for West Virginia: 44 percent - over 6,700 miles - were impaired.

YOU can slow the flow of rainwater at home by making sure that gutters and downspouts discharge onto your lawn or another grassy area, instead of onto a driveway, sidewalk or street. This allows rainwater to be filtered and slowly soak into the ground, instead of running off into storm drains and local waters, untreated!

This is Meteorologist Lisa Montgomery.

Sources: US EPA and National Environmental Education & Training Foundation.

NOVEMBER 11, 2006: WHAT IS "VISIBILITY" ON WEATHER STATS PAGE?

"I see alot of times the visibility is posted or spoken about during weather reports. How do you figure out the visibility, sometimes it may be 1/4 mile and others it may be something like 7 miles."

Thanks, Ted from Scio

Ted, we usually talk about the visibility when there is fog in the forecast. Fog, which is basically a cloud at ground level, can make it very difficult to drive. Many accidents at certain times of the year are because of smog, mostly in big cities, or dense fog.

In the weather glossary, visibility is defined as the greatest distance an object can be seen and identified. It is usually a visual estimate and is reported as prevailing visibility--the maximum visibility common to one half or more of the horizon circle.

When visibility is uniform in all directions, prevailing visibility and visibility are the same.

When visibility is not uniform in all directions, you can determine prevailing visibility by dividing the horizon circle into sectors of visibility. Estimate the highest visibility common to one half or more of the horizon circle.

The maximum visibility on a clear day is 7 miles, after which a flat ground horizon will fall away to a point that surface conditions cannot be observed. In order to report visibility beyond this distance visibility markers are used.

These markers are measured and could include mountains/hills, tree lines and microwave towers. The visibility is determined by the weather observer at an airport or weather station. The observer reports how far away objects can be identified without obstruction.

This is Meteorologist Lisa Montgomery.

NOVEMBER 10, 2006: ENJOYING INDIAN SUMMER?

I hope everyone is enjoying the recent mild spell as there are changes brewing on the horizon. For the second day in a row we will experience temperatures soaring into the upper 60’s. The record high for today is 73 degrees set back in 1949. The warmest temperature ever recorded in November was 85 degrees back on November 5, 1948. This is also the latest that we have seen an eighty degree temperature this late in the season. It’s safe to say that we won’t see eighty degree weather for quite a while. After November 5th, the next time the eighty degree mark was reached was March 14th, the year being 1990.

Our recent mild spell will come to an abrupt end as a powerful low pressure system and trailing cold front come charging through the area tomorrow afternoon. Rain should begin by noon Saturday. Thunder and lightning are a strong possibility tomorrow. Winds will begin to howl tomorrow afternoon and temperatures will crash into the 40’s.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com. I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

NOVEMBER 9, 2006: FREQUENCY OF SNOWSTORMS

Yesterday’s blog focused on the upcoming winter. Snow lovers might be interested in these snow stats. Enjoy!

FREQUENCY OF HEAVY SNOWFALLS

Snowfalls of 16 inches or more...............once in 15 years Snowfalls of 13-15 inches or more............once in 5 years Snowfalls of 8-12 inches or more.............once every two years Snowfalls of 5 inches or more................twice a year

MISCELLANEOUS SNOWFALL RECORDS

Longest Periods With at Least 1.0" of Snow on the Ground

64 days January 8 through March 12, 1978 62 days December 20, 1976 through February 20, 1977.

Back to Back Snowstorms (Within two weeks of each other)

1890 25.9" Dec 16-18 13.2" Dec 25-27 1978 12.2" Jan 16-18 14.8" Jan 19-21 1994 13.9" Jan 3-4 5.8" Jan 17-18

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com. I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

NOVEMBER 8, 2006: WINTER FORECAST

It’s the question that every meteorologist is asked this time of year: “What kind of winter will we have?” I wish I had the definite answer, but I don’t. I can give you a scientific guess. When I attempt to make a long range forecast I look at trends and climatology.

Let’s start with climatology. This part of the Ohio Valley averages about 44.5 inches of snow every winter season. Typically January is our snowiest month as we typically see a little over a foot of snow. These are just averages though, every winter is different. For instance last winter started with close to average snowfall through December. Then we saw a very mild January with only 2 inches of snow falling. Do the math; this is 10 inches below normal for the month. Last winter we ended up with a total of 21.3 inches of snow, almost half of what we typically experience. I am confident that we will see more snow this winter.

What is the recent trend? Nationwide and locally we have seen below normal temperatures this past September and October. Years in which we have seen below normal temperatures nationwide during the fall typically leads to a cold January locally. I would not be surprised if January was really cold. Another trend this fall has been lots of rain. October locally was the wettest on record. A stronger southern branch of the jet stream is leading to all this dampness. If we have cold air in place and storms pulling moisture our way out of the south this winter, look out you’ll being seeing Snowbird a lot!

You may have heard that El Nino is back this winter. Oh no! Not the dreaded El Nino!? The problem is that not every El Nino is created equally. This is expected to be a weak to moderate El Nino. Locally expect above normal precipitation this winter as an active sub-tropical jet stream will send storms tracking across the southern United States. Storminess will be drawn northward into the Ohio Valley virtue of how northern jet stream interacts with the pattern. How this moisture times itself with the arrival of the colder air will determine the extent of the snowiness this winter.

In summary I am confident that we will see a colder and snowier winter compared to last year. Temperatures will fluctuate between cold and mild spells. January has the potential to be a very cold month. Snowfall amounts will be dependent on how the southern and northern branches of the jet streams interact. An average snowfall of 44 inches seems like a realistic amount, but one or two big storms could put us above average for the year. For a more accurate winter outlook ask me in March. Just kidding!

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com. I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

NOVEMBER 7, 2006: FORECAST FOR NEXT WEEK: METEOR SHOWERS?

The Leonid Meteor showers peak in the predawn hours of Saturday, November 18. The projected number of visible meteors per hour is only about 20 per hour this year. This is in sharp contrast to the incredible show on November 19, 2000 when hundreds to over a 1000 meteors per hour were visible in the predawn hours.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com. I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

NOVEMBER 6, 2006: WARMER THIS WEEK

Above average temperatures are slated this week. This has some of us talking Indian Summer. The term "Indian Summer" is generally associated with a period of considerably above normal temperatures, accompanied by dry and hazy conditions ushered in on a south or southwesterly breeze. Several references make note of the fact that a true Indian Summer can not occur until there has been a killing frost/freeze.

Enjoy the mild spell this week since it’s inevitable that cold air will make a comeback. Did you know that we see our greatest decline in average high temperature from the start to the end of November? In November, the Ohio Valley’s average high at the beginning of the month is 59 degrees and at the end it is 45 degrees. This is a difference of 14 degrees! The greatest increase in average high temperature occurs during the month of March. The average high for the first of March is 45 degrees and at the end of the month the average high climbs to 57 degrees, a rise of 12 degrees.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com. I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

NOVEMBER 5, 2006: IT'S OFFICIAL...IT'S BEEN A COLD AND WET OCTOBER!

The Ohio Valley isn't the only region that experienced cold and wet conditions for much of October. Here is a list of new records for Northern Ohio and Northwestern Pennsylvania:

Cleveland had the 5th wettest October on record with nearly 6 inches. The wettest was 9.50 inches in 1954.

Erie, PA had the 6th wettest October on record with 6.58 inches. The wettest was 9.87 inches in 1954.

Mansfield fell to 28 degrees on October 15, which is a new record low for that date. The old record low was 31 degrees on that day in 1961.

Youngstown had the 2nd wettest October on record with nearly 6 inches for the month, and the 8th coldest October with average at 48.7 degrees.

These numbers have been recorded with the National Weather Service, and were released this weekend.

This is Meteorologist Lisa Montgomery.

NOVEMBER 4, 2006: MILDER AIR RETURNS TO THE OHIO VALLEY

Despite the sunshine, high temperatures this weekend will stay in the 40's and low 50's, which is well below normal. What's new, right? It's been a chilly fall! Some say we skipped the season altogether..going from summer to winter.

Well, at least I can say we do have a nice warmup for the upcoming week. Monday will be pleasant, with sunshine and highs near 60 degrees. We'll be in the 60's by Wednesday! How's that sound? Normal high temperature for this time is 58 degrees.

A cool High Pressure system is controlling our weather for the weekend, but it will slide eastward and give us a more southwesterly flow by Monday. Warmer air, light winds and, so far, a chance for rain only on Tuesday, which is election day. The rest of the week looks dry with sun.

Don't let the rain stop you from voting on Tuesday! Look forward to the warmer weather every day next week!

This is Meteorologist Lisa Montgomery.

NOVEMBER 3, 2006: COLDEST MORNING IN NEARLY 8 MONTHS

“I can’t remember the last time I felt this cold!” Words probably uttered by a few at least a few of you this morning. The last time we dipped into the low 20’s was ironically the beginning of spring, March 22nd.

If you were up early this morning watching News 9 Sunrise, you heard me talk about the origin of the umbrella. The word "umbrella" comes from the Latin root word "umbra", meaning shade or shadow. The basic umbrella was invented over four thousand years ago. We have seen evidence of umbrellas in the ancient art and artifacts of Egypt, China and Greece. These ancient umbrellas were first designed to provide shade from the sun. The Chinese were the first to waterproof their umbrellas for use as rain protection. They waxed and lacquered their umbrellas in order to use them for rain. Starting in the 16th century the umbrella became popular to the western world, especially in the rainy weather of northern Europe. At first it was considered only an accessory suitable for women. Then the Persian traveler and writer, Jonas Hanway (1712-86), carried and used an umbrella publicly in England for thirty years, and he popularized umbrella use among men.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com. I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

NOVEMBER 2, 2006: INDIAN SUMMER NEXT WEEK?

The term "Indian Summer" is generally associated with a period of considerably above normal temperatures, accompanied by dry and hazy conditions ushered in on a south or southwesterly breeze. Several references make note of the fact that a true Indian Summer can not occur until there has been a killing frost/freeze.

It’s chilly now, but looking ahead into my crystal ball I see a warm up for next week. So for all of you asking when will we see Indian Summer, your answer just might be the middle of next week.

Yesterday I wrote about this October being the wettest on record with over seven inches of rain. This made me wonder, when was our all time wettest month? My first guess was a summer month such as July. I figured convective rains (thunderstorms) can put down a lot of rain. Then I thought it could have been September 2004, remember all the flooding that year? I was surprised to find that November 1985 was the wettest month on record with a whopping 13.49 inches! Just think if all of that fell as snow! We would have had over 13 feet of the white stuff!

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com. I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

NOVEMBER 1, 2006: WETTEST OCTOBER ON RECORD

Halloween is history and the rain that fell last night while trick or treating made history. Rainfall for the month of October was 7.03 inches. This just eclipsed the previous record of 7.01 inches set back in 1954. In addition to being the wettest month on record, October was unseasonably cool. The average high temperature was 60.9 degrees which is close to 4 degrees below the normal high for the month. If this trend continues we could be in for a snowy and cold winter. Average snowfall for November is 3.1 inches.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com. I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.