DECEMBER 30, 2006: RING AROUND THE MOON
The phone in the weather center was ringing off the hook this evening and every phone call started with something like this: “There’s a ring around the moon”.

Here's how it works: Moon halos are caused by tiny ice crystals that have gathered twenty thousand feet above the ground, as thin, wispy clouds. These clouds are so thin, you might not notice them at night, if it weren't for their effect on the moonlight. Incoming light rays from the moon are bent--or "diffracted"--by these ice crystals at an angle of twenty-two degrees. This means that in addition to the direct moonlight, you will also see diffracted moonlight in a circle twenty-two degrees away from the moon. This is about the distance of your fist, held at arm's length. Like a rainbow, this halo can even be slightly colored; red on the inside, and blue on the outside. And, yes, it can mean that rain or snow is coming soon. Those high, wispy clouds could be the forerunners of storm clouds right behind them.

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

DECEMBER 29, 2006: 2006 YEAR IN REVIEW

*LOCAL WEATHER HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2006*

JANUARY: VERY WARM, 12.3 DEGREES ABOVE NORMAL

JANUARY: ONLY 2 INCHES OF SNOW

MAY 30TH: FIRST 90 DEGREE DAY

ABOVE NORMAL RAINFALL FOR JUNE AND JULY

TEN 90 DEGREE DAYS THIS SUMMER

AUGUST WAS DRY AND WARM

SEPTEMBER WAS COOL AND WET (-5 DEGREES / -2.22”)

OCTOBER WAS ALSO COOL AND WET

RECORD RAINFALL FOR OCTOBER WITH OVER 7 INCHES OF RAIN FALLING

OCTOBER 12TH WE SAW OUR FIRST FLAKES OF THE SEASON

NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER WERE WARM

2 RECORD HIGHS ALL YEAR AND 0 RECORD LOWS

6.5 INCHES OF SNOW FOR THE YEAR

41.96” OF PRECIPITATION AS OF 12/29/06 (ABOVE NORMAL BY 5”)

This year will be remembered for its lack of snow and warmth. Nationally this was the second warmest summer on record. Locally Winter and Summer were warm, while our Spring and Fall months were cooler than average. In terms of storms or natural disasters thankfully 2006 was rather uneventful.

Today’s Weather Quiz

According to a recent survey, what was the biggest weather story of 2006?

Answer: Quiet hurricane season, for the first time since 2001 a hurricane didn’t make landfall across the United States.

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

DECEMBER 28, 2006: DENVER GETS ANOTHER BLAST

Denver, Colorado, getting hit hard once again. It will be the second major snowfall in less than 10 days! The first winter storm dropped 21 inches of snow in Denver, with up to 3 feet in the surrounding high country.

Being hit by a major blizzard twice in so many days is a rare occurrence, but if the atmospheric setup is right, the weather can keep doing the same thing. Location of the jet stream plays a major role in this. Right now, the jet stream slices through the middle of the country, dividing the cold air and the unusually warm air. The "danger zone" if you will, sits right over the Rockies onto the High Plains.

Though this storm will be similar to the last one, no two storms are the same. There are always many variables that go into a storm equation.

This storm is predicted to bring down just over a foot of snow to Denver, and less amounts elsewhere.

This is Meteorologist Lisa Montgomery.

source: AccuWeather

DECEMBER 28, 2006: WHERE’S THE SNOW AND THE POLAR BEARS?

Today’s Weather Quiz

How much snow have we seen during the calendar year of 2006?

A. 2 inches
B. 6.5 inches
C. 12.5 inches

Answer: B. 6.5 inches

We average more snow in December than we saw in all of 2006!

*AVERAGE SNOWFALL*

January: 12.1 inches

February: 10 inches

March: 8.7 inches

November: 3.1 inches

December: 8.3 inches

President George W. Bush's administration is proposing to protect polar bears, whose habitat is threatened by the rapid melting of Arctic sea ice.

U.S. Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne announced that polar bears should be listed as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act.

There are estimated to be 25,000 polar bears in the Arctic. Global warming is causing an earlier summer melt of the ice, giving polar bears less time to hunt for seals and build up fat reserves. There is evidence of weight loss, reduced cub survival and bears moving closer to human communities in their search for food.

If the bears are placed on the Endangered Species Act, all U.S. federal agencies will be mandated to do everything in their power to protect both the mammals and their habitat.

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

DECEMBER 27, 2006: SNOW IS FALLING IN JERUSALEM

A light snow has begun to fall in Jerusalem. Although the snow has not yet begun to accumulate, the city has snowplows on standby. Snow has been falling in the North, in Judea and Samaria, and even in the Negev desert, since Wednesday morning.

National weather service forecaster Uri Batz predicts that the expected snow in Jerusalem Wednesday will be light. He noted that in the past 25 years, the heaviest snow in December was almost three inches. Private forecasters expect that the snow will be heavier, especially in the Galilee and in the northern Negev.

The municipality of Jerusalem is not taking any chances and will deploy workers to scatter salt and keep open more than 250 miles of emergency routes. The welfare department is preparing in advance to assist the elderly and people with special needs.

Source: IsraelNationalNews.com

Today’s Weather Quiz

According to tradition, what do you hide outside on New Years Eve that will give you good fortune throughout the new year?

A. Fruit
B. Coins
C. Cookies

Thanks goes out to Rosemary for sending in today’s question.

Answer: B. Coins

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

DECEMBER 26, 2006: WHERE ARE YOU WINTER?

Today’s Weather Quiz

What is the most recent December that no measurable snow fell?

A. 2000
B. 1994
C. 1990

Answer: B. 1994

During the winter of 1994-1995 we picked up a total of 23.4 inches that’s about half of what a typical winter holds. Typically we see 40.6 inches of snow during an average winter. If we do not pick up any measurable snowfall this month, it will be only the 6th time we would accomplish such a feat in over 115 years! Below I have listed other years with no measurable snowfall for December. Snow lovers may not want to look as the amounts have been well below average.

1994-1995: 23.4 inches

1941-1942: 34.2 inches

1931-1932: 14.7 inches

1928-1929: 25.0 inches

1889-1890: 11.4 inches

Some snow is in the forecast for this afternoon but temperatures will stay above freezing and no accumulation is expected. We might be able to squeeze out a half inch of snow for tonight, sadly this would be our first measurable snowfall of the winter season. Another warm up is slated for late in the week and early this weekend. No real, true cold arctic outbreaks are in sight through the beginning of January.

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

DECEMBER 22, 2006: A DAY LATE A FLAKE SHORT?

White Christmas Watch
An area of low pressure is expected to be centered near southern West Virginia at 7 pm Christmas evening. The low will move northeastward overnight and we should find it centered off the coast of Maine by 7 am Tuesday morning. Rain will begin to fall Christmas day, but look for a changeover to snow sometime Monday night into Tuesday morning. If this track verifies some accumulation of snow is possible into Tuesday morning. It’s tough to get specific on timing and accumulation this far in advance, but this storm definitely bears watching.

Though the weather outside is frightful, I hope everyone’s holiday is delightful!

Have a very Merry Christmas! Meteorologist Jeff Oechslein

Today’s Holiday Quiz

Which of the following places is NOT a real United States city or town?

A. North Pole, New York
B. Christmas, Michigan
C. St. Nicholas, Minnesota
D. Sleigh Bells, North Dakota

Answer: D. Sleigh Bells, North Dakota

I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

DECEMBER 21, 2006: WINTER SOLSTICE

Where is Old Man Winter? Maybe he’s stuck at the Denver airport. Denver is getting walloped with a blizzard. Between 2 and 3 feet of snow will fall with drifts reaching closer to 6 feet! Winter officially begins in the Northern Hemisphere later this evening at 7:22 pm. This is when the sun’s direct rays impinge on the Tropic of Capricorn in the Southern Hemisphere. South of the equator it’s the first day of summer, so break out the swimsuit in Austrailia. We see the shortest amount of daylight today, just 9 hours and 17 minutes of daylight to be exact. After today the amount of daylight slowly, but surely grows longer.

White Christmas Watch
Those dreaming of a White Christmas head west to Denver, Colorado. Locally it’s just too warm to support snow. There is still a storm on the horizon for early next week, but it probably will be a little late and a little too warm for a White Christmas. Christmas morning should start off sunny, then clouds will rapidly thicken throughout the day. Rain or a mix of rain and wet snow could begin to fall by evening.

Today’s Holiday Quiz

What year did we have the largest snowfall on Christmas Day?

A. 2000
B. 1993
C. 1978

Thanks to Dennise Smith from Amsterdam, Ohio for today’s question.

Answer: C. 1978, with 1.7 inches of snow falling

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.

DECEMBER 20, 2006: TRACK SANTA THIS CHRISTMAS EVE

For more than 50 years, NORAD and its predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) has tracked Santa. The tradition began after a Colorado Springs-based Sears Roebuck & Co. store advertisement for children to call Santa on a special "hotline" included an inadvertently misprinted telephone number. Instead of Santa, the phone number put kids through to the CONAD Commander-in-Chief's operations "hotline." The Director of Operations, Colonel Harry Shoup, received the first "Santa" call on Christmas Eve 1955. Realizing what had happened, Colonel Shoup had his staff check radar data to see if there was any indication of Santa making his way south from the North Pole. Indeed there were signs of Santa and children who called were given an update on Santa's position. Thus, the tradition was born. In 1958, the governments of Canada and the United States created a bi-national air defense command for the North American continent called the North American Air Defense Command, known as NORAD. Canada and the U.S. believed they could better defend North America together as a team instead of separately.

NORAD carried out its first Santa tracking in 1958 after inheriting the tradition from CONAD. Since that time, Canadian and American men and women who work at NORAD have responded to phone calls from children personally. Additionally, media from all over the world call NORAD on Christmas Eve for updates on Santa's location. Last year this Website was visited by millions of people who wanted to know Santa's whereabouts. This year, the information is provided in six languages.

NORAD relies on many volunteers to help make Santa tracking possible. Hundreds of volunteers spend part of their Christmas Eve at the Santa Tracking Operations Center answering phones and emails to provide Santa updates to thousands of inquiring children worldwide.

Track Santa yourself by going to NORAD.

White Christmas Watch
One thing is for certain, an area of low pressure will develop in the Gulf of Mexico this weekend. Where the storm goes and how much cold air is in place will determine whether or not we could see snow in the Ohio Valley this Christmas. The earliest we could see precipitation with this system is late day Christmas or Christmas night. Christmas Eve and perhaps much of Christmas Day should be dry. There are a lot of uncertainties with the track of this storm, but look for a clearer picture with this storm by Friday.

Today’s Holiday Quiz

What best selling Christmas song did Gene Autrey sing in 1951?

A. Jingle Bells
B. Silver Bells
C. Frosty the Snowman

Thanks to Maissa Rizzo from St Clairsville, Ohio for today’s question. .

Answer: C. Frosty the Snowman

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.

DECEMBER 19, 2006: El Nino Update

The current El Nino which is arguably a big reason for our unusually warm weather has peaked. El Nino, which means little boy or Christ child, often peaks near Christmas. The main factor pushing temperatures up is this year's moderate El Niño, which happens when the water over the equatorial Pacific Ocean heats up, bringing warm air across to the Northeast United States. There is evidence that weakening has begun as cool deep water appears to be upwelling off Western South America. How might a weakening El Nino change the local weather? Cold air intrusions should increase during January and February. So don’t cancel winter quite yet. For more information on El Nino go to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s El Nino Page.

White Christmas Watch
Less than one week now until Christmas and it doesn’t look very promising. Forecast models continue to show a developing area of low pressure in the Gulf of Mexico by Christmas Eve. This low pressure system will slowly move northward on Christmas Day. Being several days out, there still is lots of uncertainty with this system, but one thing is evident, cold air is lacking. So the forecast for Christmas Day is calling for cloudy skies with a chance for rain to be developing with high temperatures in the lower 40’s.

Today’s Holiday Quiz

Which of the following is not one of Santa’s reindeer?

A. Dasher
B. Dancer
C. Donder

Thanks to Dave Thomas from Wheeling, West Virginia for today’s question. .

Answer: Of course, this is a trick-question. All of them are Santa's reindeer (according to the poem by St. Clemet Moore "A Visit from Saint Nicholas." ) Yet, for some reason, most people believe that answer C is spelled D-o-n-N-e-r; however, it is spelled D-o-n-D-e-r.

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.

DECEMBER 18, 2006: DANDELIONS IN SMITHFIELD!

One week exactly until Christmas Day and I just received a call from a viewer in Smithfield, Ohio with reports of dandelions popping up in his front yard! Slightly cooler weather will ooze into the area behind a cold front for this afternoon. We may actually see a day or two with average temperatures. By the way our average high is near 40 and our average low is near 25 degrees. The Christmas Day forecast is becoming more and more interesting. A low pressure system is forecasted to develop in the Gulf of Mexico on Christmas Eve, then head northward into the Ohio Valley on Christmas Day. Normally this would be music to the ears of snow lovers, but one thing is missing this year and that’s an abundance of cold air. Keep in mind we are still a week away from Christmas, but if you were to ask me today, the forecast for Christmas day would include rain changing to snow by afternoon or evening. Keep in mind though with any forecast that far into the future there is a lot of uncertainty. For White Christmas lovers at least there is some hope.

Today’s Holiday Quiz

What is the name of Rudolph’s dogsled driving friend? Thanks to Kaitlynn Rizzo from St. Clairsville, Ohio for today’s question. .

Answer: Yukon Cornelius

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.

DECEMBER 16, 2006: ROCKETS AND TEMPERATURE SKYROCKETS

The weather blog was flooded with questions today. Was it lightning, a shooting star, perhaps it was a UFO that was sighted around 7 this morning. The FAA confirms the sight was likely the Minotour I rocket launched from Virginia. It is the first launch from the mid-Atlantic region's spaceport. It didn't have anything extraterrestrial onboard, just two experimental satellites.

If you would like to view the launch of the rocket go to http://sspp.gsfc.nasa.gov/webcast/.

Our high temperature stayed below 50 degrees today for the first time in a week. Is this a sign of cooler weather ahead? Well it looks as if it will get warmer before it gets cooler. Tomorrow the high will climb to around 60 degrees for the fourth time this month. Temperatures are expected to get cooler this week, but nothing terribly cold. Highs will be in the 40’s from Tuesday through Thursday. The last week of the year might be stormier, but will it be cold enough to see snow?

I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

DECEMBER 15, 2006: SPACE WEATHER & SIGNS OF WINTERS COMEBACK

Were you able to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights last night? Probably not, there were too many clouds obstructing our view. A terrific display of the Aurora Borealis was found last night across New England and parts of the Midwest. With skies clearing tonight we may be able to catch a glimpse, just head away from the city lights and look towards the north. You can track space weather and check out pictures of last night’s light show at www.spaceweather.com.

Here are my thoughts on how the upcoming weather pattern will change over the last two weeks of December. First it stays well above average through the weekend. Then we will slowly start to transition into a cooler pattern next week. Cool air will begin to ooze southward. Temperatures next week might still be above average, but we should see a slow decline to near normal temperatures by the end of the week. Look for colder and potentially snowy weather to arrive for Christmas week, December 25 through the 31st. Of course there is still a lot of uncertainty but there are definite signs in the extended.

Today’s Holiday Quiz

What is the name of the angel in “It’s A Wonderful Life”? Thanks to Melanie Penaranda from Weirton, WV for the question. .

Answer: Clarence

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.

DECEMBER 14, 2006: NORTHERN LIGHTS

A solar flare emanating from the surface of the sun will impact the earth today. It’s going to interact with the magnetic field and we'll have an increased chance of seeing the aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. It is rare for this area to see the lights display, but this recent flare up from the sun gives us a better chance.

Galileo Galilee gave us the scientific term Aurora Borealis. He named it after the Roman goddess of the dawn, Aurora and the Greek name for north wind, borealis. This celestial event is usually visible only in the northern states.

Basically what we could see is the result of an explosion on the sun from a storm 5 times the size of the Earth. As the aftermath of that explosion moves towards the Earth's atmosphere, it causes great colors in the sky.

Clouds could hamper viewing tonight and city lights could also dim your experience.

Today’s Holiday Quiz

What was Frosty's girlfriend’s name? Thanks to Cindy L.Yeager from New Philadelphia, Ohio for providing us with today’s question. .

Answer: Crystal

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.

DECEMBER 13, 2006: WANT SNOW? HEAD TO THE POST OFFICE

Sorry for the late post today, I just returned from a visit to Buckeye Local High School.

The United States Postal Service issued a commemorative set of four snowflake stamps. These stamps are available at post offices across the country. You can also order them online at The United States Postal Office At that site, click on Buy Stamps & Shop, then search for "holiday snowflakes" (include the quotes).

Today’s Holiday Quiz

Who wrote the song "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Eve"? Thanks to Mary Devine from pumpkin country, Barnesville, Ohio for providing us with today’s question.

Answer: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Henry's son Charles was gravely wounded during the Civil War. It was that sorrow that led to the writing of this poem. The musical version was written in 1872. Some of the stanzas were removed from the song version since they reflected Longfellow's opinion that the Confederate cause was totally evil.

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.

DECEMBER 12, 2006: ONE YEAR AGO

Last year on this date it looked and felt like winter. The high temperature one year ago was 28 degrees with a morning low temperature of 16 degrees. There was also a fresh blanket of snow on the ground, three inches to be exact. Talk about a total 360, one year later we’re breaking out the golf clubs enjoying temperatures near 60 degrees. Last winter started out snowy and cold. Then we saw a warm up right around Christmas. The warm pattern continued to dominate the winter season after Christmas.

So where does the pattern go from here? The million dollar question! Above normal temperatures are expected through this week and much of next week. The earliest sign of colder air making a comeback is late next week. There are some signs of a stormier pattern for the week of Christmas. After this will the cold air stay for a prolonged period of time or will it simply be an island surrounded by a sea of warmth? Lots of questions remain for the upcoming winter. Stay tuned to the Weather Blog and I’ll keep you posted on the changes that lie ahead.

Today’s Holiday Quiz

What is the name of Grinch’s dog? Thanks to Clarence Wray from Buffalo, Ohio for providing us with today’s question. Just in case you’re wondering Buffalo is located in southern Guernsey county.

Answer: Max

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.

DECEMBER 11, 2006: IS THERE ANY HOPE FOR A WHITE CHRISTMAS?

Last week I did the unthinkable and completed my Christmas shopping! You see I’m a typical male who waits until the very last minute to do all that shopping, so this is very uncommon. There is one gift that I have asked St Nick every year for and that’s snow on Christmas. Maybe I’ve been naughty over the years since snow in these parts on Christmas day is very hard to come by.

Frequency of a White Christmas in the Ohio Valley (1" or more of new snow on 12/25) is 17 percent.

Chance of having a trace or more of snow on the ground is 38 percent.

Christmas' Past on which at least one inch of snow fell

1890... 3.0" 1909... 3.5" 1935... 3.5" 1993... 1.9" 1892... 1.5" 1917... 2.0" 1950... 1.9" 1995... 1.4" 1902... 2.5" 1919... 2.0" 1970... 1.4" 2002... 1.8"

As I peer into my crystal ball I find nothing but above average temperatures through much of next week. You see the freezer door is closed and all the arctic air will remain well to our north, towards the North Pole. Computer models are hinting at some of the chill to return by late next week or right before Christmas. So for all those who wish for snow one time a year there is some hope, we just better be nice over the next few weeks, you know who is watching!

Today’s Holiday Quiz

What Christmas Carol has the chorus “O Star of wonder star of night? Thanks to Becky Hazelton from Harrisville, Ohio for providing us with today’s question.

Answer: We Three Kings of Orient Are

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.

DECEMBER 9, 2006: SALTY SIDEWALKS THIS WINTER

Most of the 18 million metric tons of salt on U.S. roads each year are applied in the Midwest and Northeast, with six states-New York, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin-using three quarters of the total!

While salt makes our lives easier by keeping roads and sidewalks slip-free, it can be harmful to plants and aquatic animals if it seeps into groundwater supplies or rivers and streams.

Tip: If you salt your sidewalks, be sure to carefully follow directions and only use as much product as necessary. You may also consider switching to sand for traction, and sweeping up any leftovers after the storm for reuse.

This is Meteorologist Lisa Montgomery.

DECEMBER 7, 2006: KEEP YOUR BEST FRIEND WARM

The Humane Society of the United States is urging pet owners to take a few common sense precautions to safe guard their pets against bitter cold temperatures and low wind chills.

Despite their "fur" coats, domesticated animals like cats and dogs depend on humans for protection from elements such as freezing temperatures. The HSUS is offering the following suggestions to help keep all pets safe through the cold winter months.

-Don't leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops below 32 degrees (freezing point). Short-coated dogs, like labs, cannot keep warm during frigid weather. Dogs and cats are safer indoors in all sorts of weather. Animals should never be left outdoors unattended as they risk being stolen or otherwise being harmed.

-Wind chill can threaten a pet's life, no matter what the temperature. Outdoor dogs must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with a loose, insulating material such as straw or shredded newspaper. Material should be changed regularly to ensure it stays dry. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with a flap of heavy waterproof fabric or heavy plastic.

-Pets spending a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter. Keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and not frozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.

-Warm car engines are dangerous for cats and small wildlife. Parked cars attract small animals who may crawl up under the hood looking for warmth. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine.

-Antifreeze is deadly poison. It has a sweet taste that attracts animals and children. Wipe up spills and store out of reach. Or use antifreeze coolant made with propylene glycol; if swallowed in small amounts it will not hurt pets, wildlife and people.

Source: Humane Society of the United States

DECEMBER 6, 2006: FIRST SNOW ACCUMULATION THURSDAY
A sharp cold front will bring the Ohio Valley its first measurable snow of the season! The snow will be around an inch for most. Some locations north, near I-80 and the higher elevations can get up to 3-5 inches. Also, winds will be howling, with blustery conditions. Highs tomorrow will be dropping throughout the day into the 20's. Cold and snow, with slippery roads and low visibility. Be careful on the roads Thursday morning through Friday morning.

Wind chills could dip into the single digits Thursday, with overnight temperatures in the teens. This second blast of cold artic air will be the coldest of the season so far. BRING YOUR PETS INSIDE....TOO COLD!

The snow should end by Friday, with sunny and warmer conditions set for the weekend. Sunday's high around 50 degrees!

This is Meteorologist Lisa Montgomery.

DECEMBER 5, 2006: SNOWFLAKES

Nine this morning, I just ate my lunch (you might be asking yourself lunch? When you wake up at 3 am you eat lunch closer to 9 am) and stepped outside to find the first good snow shower of the season. A dusting of snow, like powdered sugar on a donut, coated the ground. It wasn’t enough to measure but it was perfect for catching a fat flake on my tongue. Winter is here! If you missed your opportunity this morning to catch a snowflake or two, don’t despair more snow is in the forecast for Thursday. I think we will be able to measure it this go around. Only an inch or less is expected to fall but if it comes early enough in the morning I wouldn’t be surprised to find Snowbird on the air with a delay or two.

Father Brian Cavanaugh from the Franciscan University sent me an email with a link to snowflake paradise! Check out the website for yourself SnowCrystals.com and you will find everything you ever wanted to know about snowflakes.

Today’s Holiday Quiz

In what year did the first electrically lighted Christmas Tree appear? Thanks to Lisa Vrotos from Yorkville, Ohio for providing us with today’s question.

Answer: 1882, The first electric lights for Christmas debuted only three years after Thomas Alva Edison invented the lightbulb in 1879. Edward Johnson, a resident of New York and a colleague of Edison's, was the first to have an electrically lighted Christmas tree in his home in 1882. The tiny bulbs were hand blown and the lights were hand-wired to make this event possible, but it opened an avenue for Edison's electric company that produced miniature, decorative bulbs for chandeliers and other uses from its earliest days. Electric lights appeared on the White House Christmas tree in 1895 when Grover Cleveland was President.

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.

DECEMBER 4, 2006: TEMPERATURE TRENDS

Last week we lived the high life in the penthouse, this week we find ourselves in the basement. How quickly things can change in the world of weather. Temperatures are expected to remain below normal through much of this week. There might be a slight spike in temperatures Wednesday out ahead of our next blast of cold air. The next shot of cold air will be accompanied with more snow showers Wednesday night into Thursday.

So is winter here to stay? Not exactly, milder air is expected to return by this weekend as the jet stream lifts to our north and becomes more zonal. Does this mean we will see a repeat of last week? Not exactly, but we should climb out of the basement.

Today’s Holiday Quiz

What instrument was used to accompany the first performance of “Silent Night” in 1818? Thanks to weather watcher Jill Mahy from West Liberty for providing us with today’s question.

Answer: Guitar, Father Joseph Mohr had written the words and asked Franz Gruber, the choir director, to write a melody and guitar accompaniment so that the song could be sung at midnight mass on Christmas Eve in 1818. Father Mohr played the guitar for the performance

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.

DECEMBER 3, 2006: FRIGID AIR INVADES OHIO VALLEY!

Hope you're ready for the coldest air of the season because it's here, and staying all this week! Monday's high will struggle to reach the freezing point, 32 degrees! We have a chance for snow flurries too, but the low pressure system responsible for the cold air lacks moisture so any flurry activity will be very light.

Another system will come mid week and reinforce the cold airmass. Thursday's high is forecasted to be in the mid to upper 20's, with low's at night 10-15 degrees!

Bring your pets inside, and get your warmest winter coat and gloves out. You'll need them! It's hard to believe we were just talking about our record high Friday of 69 degrees. But as the saying goes, "The weather's always changing!"

This is Meteorologist Lisa Montgomery.

DECEMBER 2, 2006: TORNADO NEAR PITTSBURGH FRIDAY

A final report issued by the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh confirmed this morning that a weak F1 tornado touched down at 11:40 a.m. on December 1 about one-quarter mile south of the Greensburg Hospital in Westmoreland County, just east of Pittsburgh.

The tornado was only briefly on the ground with a path length of about 100 yards. There was damage reported to trees, one house, and an automobile. The tornado then lifted as it exited the Greensburg city limits heading northeast. The funnel then raised and lowered several times clipping only tree tops from Crabtree to New Alexandria.

Other damage resulted from non tornadic straight line winds estimated to be around 75 miles per hour. These winds were associated with the same storm as it traveled northeast along Route 119. Most of the straight line wind damage was limited to trees and light structures.

In the Ohio Valley, highest wind gusts officially recorded: Beaver Falls, Beaver County, 66 miles per hour; Salem in Columbiana County, 60 mph; and E. Morristown in Belmont County, 60 mph.

This is Meteorologist Lisa Montgomery.