NOVEMBER 30, 2007: A LOOK BACK AT NOVEMBER

The month of November saw its ups and its downs, but overall it was a close to average month. The average high temperature for the month was 50.3 degrees, which turned out to be just 1.8 degrees below normal for the month. The average low was 35 degrees which was 1.1 degrees above average for the month. We saw 3.93 inches of precipitation and just a trace of snowfall. Precipitation was about an inch above average while snowfall was 3.1 inches below average. Yet another slow start to the snow season around here.

A storm is expected to give us a little bit of a wintry mix later Saturday night, generally after midnight. A mild flow of air will quickly change anything frozen over to rain by early Sunday morning as temperatures rise above freezing. Next week looks cold and full of flakes. Snow showers behind the storm on Monday will give some areas up to a half inch of snow. Then an Alberta Clipper could give the area its first widespread snowfall by Wednesday. As always stay tuned!

TODAY’S HOLIDAY QUIZ

What drink was adapted to become the American Christmas drink “Egg Nog”?

A.The French drink ‘Lait de Poule’

B.The Austrian drink ‘Gluhwein’

C.The Scandinavian drink ‘Glogg’

ANSWER: A. The French drink ‘Lait de Poule’

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

NOVEMBER 29, 2007: EAGLE VS. TURKEY: AMERICA'S FIRST BIRD CONTROVERSY.

With "Turkey Day" behind us now, I thought you may like to learn some trivia regarding the turkey.

Did you know the wild turkey was a contender for our national symbol! But it ultimately lost out to the bald eagle.

On the afternoon of July 4, 1776, just after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress appointed a committee made up of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin to select a design for an official national seal.

The three patriots had different ideas and none of them included the bald eagle.

They finally agreed on a drawing of the woman Liberty holding a shield to represent the states. But the members of Congress weren't inspired by the design and they consulted with William Barton, a Philadelphia artist who produced a new design that included a golden eagle.

Because the golden eagle also flew over European nations, however, the federal lawmakers specified that the bird in the seal should be an American bald eagle. On June 20, 1782, they approved the design that we recognize today.

From the start, however, the bald eagle was a controversial choice. Franklin scowled at it. "For my part," he declared, "I wish the eagle had not been chosen as the representative of this country. He is a bird of bad moral character; he does not get his living honestly. You may have seen him perched in some dead tree where, too lazy to fish for himself, he watches the labor of the fishing hawk and, when that diligent bird has at length taken a fish and is bearing it to his nest for his young ones, the bald eagle pursues him and takes the fish. With all this injustice, he is never in good case."

Some people have since questioned whether the eagle would have been chosen to adorn the seal had the nation had not been at war. A year after the Treaty of Paris ended the conflict with Great Britain, Franklin argued that the turkey would have been more appropriate symbol.

"A much more respectable bird and a true native of America," Franklin pointed out. He conceded that the turkey was "a little vain and silly," but maintained that it was nevertheless a "bird of courage" that "would not hesitate to attack a grenadier of the British guards who should presume to invade his farm yard with a red coat on."

Congress was not convinced, however. The eagle remained our national symbol.

This is Meteorologist Lisa Montgomery.

Source: National Wildlife Federation

NOVEMBER 29, 2007: WEEKEND STORM UPDATE

Primarily rain will fall this Sunday as low pressure strengthens and heads out of the Rockies towards Chicago. Mild air will be drawn northward so look for rain and not snow Sunday. Rainfall amounts may approach one inch. The storm will pull north and east of the area on Monday. This will send down some colder weather and snow showers back into the Ohio Valley by Monday. At this time it does not look like we will see much snowfall, but the snow should start to stick a little on roadways by Monday evening as temperatures fall below freezing.

TODAY’S HOLIDAY QUIZ

Including Rudolph, how many reindeer pull Santa’s sleigh?

A.6

B.8

C.9

ANSWER: C. 9, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder and Blitzen. And the most famous reindeer, Rudolph the red nosed Reindeer

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

NOVEMBER 27, 2007: THE COLDER WEATHER PATTERN HERE COULD SIGNAL DROUGHT RELIEF FOR THE SOUTH

Ohio Valley temperatures appear to be trending down as we draw closer to December. The jet stream should dip southward and allow all that cold air that is building in Canada to spill southward. As cold air settles south of the Ohio River, the mild air will be pushed southward towards the Gulf of Mexico. The transition zone between these two air masses will feature the storm activity over the next 7 to 10 days. This will result in above normal rainfall in drought stricken areas of Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia.

TODAY’S HOLIDAY QUIZ

In which newspaper did “Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” first appear?

A.New York Times

B.New York Sun

C.Chicago Tribune

ANSWER: B. New York Sun

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

NOVEMBER 26, 2007: CHANCES OF SEEING A WHITE CHRISTMAS

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"

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

NOVEMBER 23, 2007: MILDER WEATHER NEXT WEEK, THEN DECEMBER’S ARRIVAL BRINGS WINTER

With December and the start of meteorological winter (December through February) less than a week away, the stage is set for an increasingly volatile weather pattern. Cold arctic air building across Canada will be the catalyst that drives this changing pattern. The increasing cold will strengthen the jet stream that steer the storm systems around the globe. Computer model forecasts reveal several storms that will affect the area. The first storm will spread rain and mild air our way on Monday of next week. Another storm will spread more rain by Thursday of next week. The storms that follow these two in early December could produce snow if it gets as cold as the computer models predict. Computer models are suggesting a huge ridge to form across Alaska. If this verifies the cold air building to our north will get tugged southward into the United States. Winter weather lovers, hope is on the horizon as we welcome in meteorological winter!

TODAY’S HOLIDAY QUIZ

What is all time best selling Christmas recording?

A.Frosty the Snowman

B.White Christmas

C.Silent Night

ANSWER: B. White Christmas

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

NOVEMBER 21, 2007: TURKEY TRIVIA

Thanksgiving time is here! The mild weather we have recently experienced will disappear quicker than the food on my Thanksgiving day plate! That’s saying something since I am a pretty fast eater! Temperatures will be near 60 degrees at midnight, 50 degrees early Thanksgiving morning, then look for temperatures in the 30’s by afternoon! Cold Turkey! Have a happy Thanksgiving! Here are a few turkey facts to stump your family:

• Ben Franklin, in a letter to his daughter, proposed the turkey as the official United States bird.

• In 2006, the average American ate 16.9 pounds of turkey. 97% or Americans surveyed by the National Turkey Federation eat turkey at Thanksgiving.

• Turkey consumption has increased 108% since 1970.

• In 2006, Turkey was the # 4 protein choice for American consumers behind chicken, beef and pork

• The average weight of a turkey purchased at Thanksgiving is 15 pounds.

• The heaviest turkey ever raised was 86 pounds, about the size of a large dog.

• A 15 pound turkey usually has about 70 percent white meat and 30 percent dark meat.

• The wild turkey is native to Northern Mexico and the Eastern United States.

• The male turkey is called a tom.

• The female turkey is called a hen.

• The turkey was domesticated in Mexico and brought to Europe in the 16th century.

• Wild turkeys can fly for short distances up to 55 miles per hour.

• Wild turkeys can run 20 miles per hour.

• Tom turkeys have beards. This is black, hairlike feathers on their breast. Hens sometimes have beards, too.

• Turkeys’ heads change colors when they become excited.

Canadians consumed 138.6 million kg (Mkg) of turkey in the year 2005.

• Six hundred seventy-five million pounds of turkey are eaten each Thanksgiving in the United States.

• Turkeys can see movement almost a hundred yards away.

• Turkeys lived almost ten million years ago.

• Turkey feathers were used by Native Americans to stabilize arrows.

• Baby turkeys are called poults and are tan and brown.

• Turkey eggs are tan with brown specks and are larger than chicken eggs.

• It takes 75-80 pounds of feed to raise a 30 pound tom turkey.

• In 1920, U.S. turkey growers produced one turkey for every 29 persons in the

• U.S. Today growers produce nearly one turkey for every person in the country.

• United States turkey growers raised 261.9 million turkeys in 2006.

• The turkeys produced in 2005 together weighed 7.2 billion pounds and were valued at $3.2 billion.

• United States turkey growers will produce an estimated 269.8 million turkeys in 2007.

• Forty-five million turkeys are eaten each Thanksgiving.

• Twenty-two million turkeys are eaten each Christmas.

• Nineteen million turkeys are eaten each Easter.

• 27% of turkeys consumed in the United States are consumed during the holidays.

• Male turkeys gobble. Hens do not. They make a clicking noise.

• Gobbling turkeys can be heard a mile away on a quiet day.

• Minnesota, North Carolina, Arkansas, Virginia, Missouri and California are the leading producers of turkey in 2006. These states produced 169.8 million of the 261.9 million turkeys raised in 2006.

• Illinois produced 2.8 million turkeys in 2007.

• A 16 week old turkey is called a fryer. A five to seven month old turkey is called a young roaster and a yearling is a year old. Any turkey 15 months or older is called mature.

• The ballroom dance the "turkey trot" was named for the short, jerky steps that turkeys take.

• Turkeys don’t really have ears like ours, but they have very good hearing.

• Turkeys can see in color.

• A large group of turkeys is called a flock.

• Turkeys do not see well at night.

• A domesticated male turkey can reach a weight of 30 pounds within 18 weeks after hatching.

• Turkeys are related to pheasants.

• Commercially raised turkeys cannot fly.

• Turkeys have heart attacks. The United States Air Force was doing test runs and breaking the sound barrier. Nearby turkeys dropped dead with heart attacks.

• Wild turkeys spend the night in trees. They especially like oak trees.

• Wild turkeys were almost wiped out in the early 1900's. Today there are wild turkeys in every state except Alaska.

• Turkeys are believed to have been brought to Britain in 1526 by Yorkshireman William Strickland. He acquired six turkeys from American Indian traders and sold them for tuppence in Bristol.

• Henry VIII was the first English King to enjoy turkey and Edward VII made turkey eating fashionable at Christmas.

• In England, 200 years ago, turkeys were walked to market in herds. They wore booties to protect their feet. Turkeys were also walked to market in the United States.

• For 87% of people in the UK, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a traditional roast turkey.

• Turkey breeding has caused turkey breasts to grow so large that the turkeys fall over.

• June is National Turkey Lover’s Month.

• The five most popular ways to serve leftover turkey is as a sandwich, in stew, chili or soup, casseroles and as a burger.

• Eating turkey does not cause you to feel sleepy after your Thanksgiving dinner. Carbohydrates in your Thanksgiving dinner are the likely cause of your sleepiness.

• 50 percent of U.S. consumers eat turkey at least once per week.

• According to the 2002 census, there were 8,436 turkey farms in the United States.

• Turkey is low in fat and high in protein.

• Turkey has more protein than chicken or beef.

• White meat has fewer calories and less fat than dark meat.

• Turkeys will have 3,500 feathers at maturity.

• Turkeys have been bred to have white feathers. White feathers have no spots under the skin when plucked.

• Most turkey feathers are composted.

• Turkey skins are tanned and used to make cowboy boots and belts.

• The costume that "Big Bird" wears on Sesame Street is rumored to be made of turkey feathers.

• Israelis eat the most turkeys.....28 pounds per person.

• The caruncle is a red-pink fleshy growth on the head and upper neck of the turkey.

• Turkeys have a long, red, fleshy area called a snood that grows from the forehead over the bill.

• The fleshy growth under a turkey’s throat is called a wattle.

• Turkey eggs hatch in 28 days.

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

NOVEMBER 19, 2007: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CYCLONE AND A HURRICANE?

The 150-mph winds from Tropical Cyclone Sidr make it the second-strongest storm to hit Bangladesh since records began in 1877. Only an unnamed April 1991 cyclone, which killed 140,000 people as it lashed the country with 155-mph winds, was stronger.

Cyclones are the same as hurricanes and typhoons. They are three different names for the same kind of storm, known collectively as "tropical cyclones," which are low-pressure areas in which the central core is warmer than the surrounding atmosphere. They're called hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean and the Eastern Pacific Ocean, typhoons in the Western Pacific, and cyclones in the Indian Ocean and around the Coral Sea off northeastern Australia.

Low-pressure systems that develop over the ocean during the right conditions might create thunderstorms and high winds that qualify it as a tropical depression. This storm could keep gaining energy from warm ocean waters and advance to a tropical storm if it has winds of 39-73 mph. Once the rotating, centrifugal force exceeds these wind speeds, meteorologists classify it as a more severe tropical storm whose name varies based on its location.

If a severe storm churns somewhere in the Indian Ocean, or parts of the Pacific, we call it a cyclone. Among cyclones, there are different ratings based on their severity, such as "severe cyclonic storm" or "tropical cyclone," yet these are all essentially the same. However, if this same exact storm were hypothetically dropped into the middle of the eastern Pacific Ocean, we'd refer to it as a typhoon. Incidentally, if the storm were moved to the Caribbean, it would be called a hurricane.

Even though some international meteorologists have universalized a cyclone to mean any circular wind system, for the most part its geographic specificity endures. Technically, such a storm in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, west of 160° E longitude, as well as anywhere in the Indian Ocean, qualifies as a cyclone. A storm in the northwestern Pacific Ocean west of the dateline, which is 0° longitude, is a typhoon. The word typhoon comes from the Greek typho, which means the father of wind.

In the northern hemisphere, storms turn counterclockwise, while in the southern hemisphere they rotate clockwise. One difference between a certain cyclone and typhoon might be their rotational direction. Most serious storms are created near the equator because of the ocean's temperature and currents, but sometimes they'll stray further away. Damage from these storms usually results when they drift over populated coastal land. They are separate phenomena from a monsoon, tornado, or tidal wave.

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

NOVEMBER 19, 2007: LEAVES GONE MEANS A CLEAR VIEW OF NESTS

Windy weather across the region means most of the leaves will be blown from the trees and shrubs.

Take advantage of the opportunity to go hunting for bird nests. With the leaves gone, empty nests used by birds last spring and summer, once well hidden, are now suddenly exposed.

You can spot old nests of robins, catbirds, cardinals and hummingbirds in dense shrubs and small trees.

Look higher in the trees for the nests of orioles, crows and even hawks.

This is Meteorologist Lisa Montgomery.

Source: David Mizejewski, Naturalist, National Wildlife Federation

NOVEMBER 16, 2007: TODAY’S WINTER WEATHER TOPIC: FROSTBITE

Winter Weather Awareness Week wraps up today in the blog with a bite, that’s frostbite. The idea that your fingers and toes fall off if you get frostbite is a myth; quite often, the worst that happens might be permanent numbness. First, recognize the symptoms of frostbite:

•A pins-and-needles sensation, then numbness.

•Hard, pale, cold, numb skin. When frostbitten skin has thawed, it becomes red and painful (early frostbite). More severe frostbite results in white and numb skin because the tissue has started to freeze.

If you or someone you're with has frostbite:

•Get the person to a warmer place. Remove any constricting jewelry and wet clothing.

•If immediate care is not available, immerse the affected areas in warm -- never hot -- water or repeatedly apply warm cloths to affected ears, nose, or cheeks for 20-30 minutes. Keep circulating the water to aid the warming process. Warming is complete when the skin is soft and sensation returns.

•Move thawed areas as little as possible.

•If the frostbite is extensive, give warm drinks to the victim in order to replace lost fluids.

•Don't use direct dry heat such as a radiator, campfire, heating pad, or hair dryer. Direct heat can burn already damaged tissues.

•Don't rub or massage the affected area, or disturb blisters on frostbitten skin.

•Don't smoke or drink alcohol during recovery, as both can interfere with blood circulation.

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

NOVEMBER 15: THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF WINTER PRECIPITATION

The type of precipitation that falls with a winter storm often depends upon the storm's path. Since cold air is usually found on the north side of a storm and milder air on the south side, wintry precipitation generally falls in areas north of the track of the storm's center.

Freezing Rain

Freezing rain is caused by rain droplets that freeze on contact with the ground or objects near the ground, leaving a frozen glaze. The temperature of the ground must be below freezing, and the rain droplets must exist in a liquid state at temperatures below freezing for freezing rain to occur.

Freezing rain can glaze roadways with ice causing extremely hazardous driving conditions. Bridges and overpasses typically freeze more quickly than other surfaces and are particularly dangerous.

Sleet

Sleet falls to earth as ice pellets. These ice pellets are formed as snowflakes melt into raindrops as they pass through a thin layer of above-freezing air. The rain drops than refreeze into particles of ice as they pass through a sub-freezing layer of air near the ground.

Snow

Snow is frozen precipitation in the form of six-sided crystals. Snow is produced when water vapor condenses onto airborne particles and forms ice crystals, which remain frozen as they grow and fall. When temperatures remain below freezing from the cloud all the way to the ground, precipitation reaches the ground in the form of snow.

Blowing Snow can be snow that has already fallen and is blown from the ground by the wind, or snow that is blown as it falls. Blizzards occur when blowing snow and/or falling snow reduces visibility to less than a quarter mile and combines with sustained winds of 35 miles per hour or greater for at least three hours.

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

NOVEMBER 13, 2007: SNOW SHOVELING SAFETY TIPS

Rain and not snow fell late last night and early this morning. Many area rain gauges saw anywhere from a quarter to half inch of rain. Rain will be pushing out and sunshine will push on in for today. Enjoy the mild high temperature in the lower 60’s as colder weather is lurking in our future for later this week. Snow shoveling season may not be in our immediate future, but it’s coming, so in accordance to Winter Weather Awareness Week take a look at the scoop on snow shoveling.

The good news is that 15 minutes of snow shoveling counts as moderate physical activity according to the 1996 Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health. We all should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity of some kind on most days of the week. Brisk walking or social dancing are other ways to fit in moderate physical activity during cold winter months.

The bad news is that researchers have reported an increase in the number of fatal heart attacks among snow shovelers after heavy snowfalls. This rise may be due to the sudden demand that shoveling places on an individual's heart. Snow shoveling may cause a quick increase in heart rate and blood pressure. One study determined that after only two minutes of shoveling, sedentary mens' heart rates rose to levels higher than those normally recommended during aerobic exercise.

Shoveling may be vigorous activity even for healthy college-aged students. A study performed by researchers at North Dakota State University determined that, based on heart rate, shoveling was a moderately intense activity for college-aged subjects most of the time but was vigorous activity during about one-third of their shoveling time of 14 minutes. Shoveling can be made more difficult by the weather. Cold air makes it harder to work and breathe, which adds some extra strain on the body. There also is the risk for hypothermia, a decrease in body temperature, if one is not dressed correctly for the weather conditions.

Be heart healthy and back friendly while shoveling this winter with these tips:

•If you are inactive and have a history of heart trouble, talk to your doctor before you take on the task of shoveling snow.

•Avoid caffeine or nicotine before beginning. These are stimulants, which may increase your heart rate and cause your blood vessels to constrict. This places extra stress on the heart.

•Drink plenty of water. Dehydration is just as big an issue in cold winter months as it is in the summer.

•Dress in several layers so you can remove a layer as needed.

•Warm up your muscles before shoveling, by walking for a few minutes or marching in place. Stretch the muscles in your arms and legs, because warm muscles will work more efficiently and be less likely to be injured.

•Pick the right shovel for you. A smaller blade will require you to lift less snow, putting less strain on your body.

•Begin shoveling slowly to avoid placing a sudden demand on your heart. Pace yourself and take breaks as needed.

•Protect your back from injury by lifting correctly.

•Stand with your feet about hip width for balance and keep the shovel close to your body. Bend from the knees (not the back) and tighten your stomach muscles as you lift the snow. Avoid twisting movements. If you need to move the snow to one side reposition your feet to face the direction the snow will be going.

•Most importantly — listen to your body. Stop if you feel pain!

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

NOVEMBER 12, 2007: WINTER WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK

Snowflakes and kids are made for each other. You can use your children's natural curiosity about snow as a gateway into scientific exploration. Here's a primer.

Where does snow come from?

Snow crystals are born in the clouds when water vapor freezes on a particle of dust, a floating bit of bacteria, or another solid material. When cloud temperatures are at the freezing point or below, and there is an ample supply of moisture in the air, ice crystals form around a core particle. As water vapor condenses and freezes, the complex pattern of a snowflake is born, one molecule at a time. A snowflake's hexagonal shape is born at the atomic level. It is here that water molecules bond together into stable crystal structures. Snow can be further classified into six basic patterns called: Needles, columns, plates, columns capped with plates, dendrites, and stars. Each type is the result of different atmospheric and temperature conditions within the cloud.

Star

Star crystals are born at temperatures near -15 degrees C, and are among the most common type of snowflakes. They are as delicate as they look, and superstars are rare, because large flakes tend to become broken by wind and midair collisions with other crystals. Under ideal conditions several stars my join to form a larger snowflakes. The largest snowflake on record was reported to be a whopping 8" by 12" (about the size of a sheet of typing paper). It was reported to have fallen, probably with a thud, in Bratsk, Siberia in 1971. Can you imagine shoveling a driveway full of those giants?

Dendrite

Dendrites are stars with attitude. Essentially, they are three dimensional star crystals with branches growing on more than a single plane. Branches (or arms) connect randomly to a central structure. These complex critters form under extremely cold conditions (-20 to -25 degrees C) when high levels of atmospheric moisture are present.

Columns

Columns are produced when the air is dryer. They are generally smaller, have a higher density than star crystals, and form over a wide range of temperatures (15 to -25 degrees C).

Plate

Plates are wanna-be stars that are essentially moisture starved. They form at temperatures of -10 to -20 degrees C when there isn't enough atmospheric water vapor available to form the delicate arms of a classic star.

Column capped with plates

Capped columns are composite flakes formed when the particle of snow passes through different temperature and moisture zones on its journey to the ground. The columns form first, usually at higher and dryer regions of a cloud, and combine with star flakes as they fall through lower and wetter cloud elevations.

Needles

Needles are formed at the upper end of the temperature spectrum, usually when ground temperatures are at or near the freezing point. To grow, these crystals need an air temperature in the -5 to -10 degrees C range. Needles tend to produce a dense, stiff snow pack.

TODAY’S WEATHER QUIZ

To stay warm in the winter you should dress in tight fitting layers.

A.True

B.False

ANSWER: False, wear loose fitting layers of clothes. Tight fitting layers hinders circulation.

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

NOVEMBER 11, 2007: WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS WEEK

Today through Saturday, Nov. 17, is Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Ohio.

The National Weather Service, working with partners in emergency managment, the media, state police, Department of Homeland Security, state departments of transportation and education, the American Red Cross and many others, will provide winter weather safety information each day.

The goal of the event is to help people understand the hazards of winter weather. Knowing winter weather terms and weather safety tips will reduce weather-related problems. Remember, when watches and warnings are issued, you need to enact your plans to remain safe from the dangers winter may bring.

The National Weather Service will issue daily public information on weather hazards and safety tips beginning Monday.

This is Meteorologist Lisa Montgomery.

NOVEMBER 10, 2007: WINTER OUTLOOK REMAINS THE SAME: MILD

In the first scheduled update to the 2007-08 U.S. winter outlook, NOAA seasonal forecasters say the latest data and model runs confirm their earlier prediction for above-average temperatures over most of the country and a continuation of drier-than-average conditions across much of the Southwest and Southeast.

“The prediction for a warmer than normal winter is still on course,” said Michael Halpert, head of forecast operations and acting deputy director of NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. “Our big concern continues to be the persistence of drought across large parts of the country’s southern tier. Nearly half of the Southeast is in extreme drought and water supplies have reached critical levels in some cities."

Despite some recent short-term relief over the Southeast and Tennessee Valley, and the potential for additional short-term relief during the next 10 days, NOAA meteorologists predict that the drought will continue through the winter for many areas in the Southeast. Although forecasters cannot rule out much-needed rain in any location in coming months, the latest U.S. drought outlook shows reduced chances for significant relief along the Gulf and Southeast coasts, as the odds for soaking tropical rains diminish as the Atlantic hurricane season winds down.

“Drought is by no means limited to the Southeast, as severe drought expanded northward all the way to Delaware this month. The Washington D.C. area is experiencing one of the most notable dry spells on record, with October 17 the 33rd consecutive day without measurable rain at Reagan National Airport,” said Douglas LeComte, drought specialist at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.

Additionally, the onset of La Niña means that drought will likely persist in the Mid Atlantic and the Southwest from Southern California into Arizona. In contrast, the drought forecast shows continued improvement for the Northeast and Great Lakes region, as well as the Northwest and northern Rockies.

“Even though December, January and February are likely to be milder than average for much of the country, people should still expect some typical winter weather this season,” said Halpert.

For the country as a whole, NOAA's updated heating degree day forecast for December through February projects a 3.4 percent warmer winter than the 30-year normal, but a 0.7 percent cooler winter than last year.

Source: NOAA

This is Meteorologist Lisa Montgomery.

NOVEMBER 8, 2007: GOING BANANAS!

I know that there is global warming, but bananas in the Netherlands? Here's an offbeat story! Six containers of Cuban bananas washed onshore on a Dutch island after breaking free of a cargo ship during a storm on the North Sea. This Dutch island now awash with bananas had gleeful beachcombers scooping up tennis shoes, aluminum briefcases and children's toys last year.

This same storm is putting upward pressure on the price of oil as BP has stopped production and ConocoPhillips is considering a shutdown of its operations in the Valhall and Ekofisk oilfields.

TODAY’S WEATHER QUIZ

How cold can it get in outer space?

A.-125 degrees F

B.-223 degrees F

C.-454 degrees F

ANSWER: Astronomers tell us that the solar wind and interstellar gas clouds are over a thousand degrees and sometimes in the millions, but also that the cosmic background temperature is minus 454 degrees Fahrenheit. A thermometer in space will read somewhere between these two extremes, depending on whether it's in the sun or the shade.

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

NOVEMBER 6, 2007: SNOW SIGHTINGS!

Breaking Weather News! I spotted the first snowflakes of the season at 6:30 am! If you missed them early this morning you will get another chance throughout the day and evening as cold air pours over the relatively warmer great lakes. The lake effect machine has been turned on.

While accumulation isn’t likely locally, a winter storm warning remains in effect for parts of Michigan's Upper Peninsula and far northern Wisconsin downwind of Lake Superior. Snow totals over higher terrain may range from 6 to 10 inches by this afternoon. Lake-effect snow watches have been posted for the snowbelts of northwestern Pennsylvania and western New York downwind of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. In this region, up to 8 inches of snowfall is expected over the higher terrain.

There is trouble in paradise! A Kona low to the west of Hawaii will bring periods of heavy rainfall to the islands today and tomorrow. A flash flood watch is in effect for the entire state through late Tuesday night. In addition to rain, snow is expected at elevations above 8,000 feet, with a possible 1 to 3 inches of snow on the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Drier weather is expected to return on Wednesday.

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

NOVEMBER 4, 2007: HOLD ON TO HEAT

While a fire can be inviting on chilly nights, the fireplace is actually one of the least efficient sources of heat you can use.

A well-burning fire can send up to 24,000 cubic feet of air up and out of the chimney per hour-that's enough air to fill more than 339.800 two-liter bottles!

When warm air travels up and out of your home, it is replaced with cold air that is drawn into the house from outside. Cool air is warmed up by your heating system, and is eventually pumped back out of the chimney, wasting energy.

Here's a Tip:

If you use your fireplace and central heating system at the same time, there are easy steps you can take to reduce the amount of heat and energy lost through the chimney. When you have a fire going, open dampers in the bottom of the fireplace, if you have them, or open the closest window slightly and close doors into the room.

Lower your thermostat setting when using the fireplace, and consider adding a grate with C-shaped metal tubes, which will pull cooler air into the fireplace and push warm air back into your home.

Remember to close your chimney flue when the fireplace is not in use. If you never use yur fireplace, consider permanently sealing the chimney to avoid heat loss.

Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Energy Savers:Fireplaces.

This is Meteorologist Lisa Montgomery.

NOVEMBER 3, 2007: WILDLIFE DURING LATE OCTOBER-NOVEMBER WEATHER

Toads are not just a key ingredient in witches' brew, they are important environmental indicators. All amphibians are susceptible to environmental toxins because of their sensitive skin. They are usually the first species to die out in polluted areas.

If you have healthy toad populations in your area, it's a good sign that your neighborhood is fairly unpolluted. And no, you cannot catch warts from touch a toad!

Toads are pest predators in the warm months, but go into underground hibernation by late fall and won't emerge until Spring.

The howl of the wolf can cause either heart-rendering terror or spiritual inspiration. People have either vilified or glorified wolves throughout history, but the real life wild canines are neither hounds of hell or spiritual guides.

In reality, gray wolves are top predators that play a key role in balancing the ecosystem. They control deer and other prey populations as well as other predators lower down on the food chain, like coyotes and raccoons.

Once found through North America, the only remaining gray wolf populations live in the northern United States and Canada. At this time of year, they are growing their thick winter coats to guard against winter's bitter temperatures.

The slithering, legless body. The forked tongue. The lidless eyes. Everything about a snake is decidedly non-human. But even though they strike fear in many people, most snake species are completely harmless.

In fact, snakes are enormously beneficial, helping to control insect and rodent pests. The only time a snake will try to bite is if it's cornered or startled. The natural reaction of all snakes to people is to get away and hide.

Source: David Mizejewski, Naturalist, National Wildlife Federation.

This is Meteorologist Lisa Montgomery.

NOVEMBER 2, 2007: NOEL BECOMES A HURRICANE

Deadly Tropical Storm Noel surged to hurricane strength late Thursday and turned north with its 80 mph winds. The development leads to the first break in 5 days of beach-eroding northeast winds Friday. The storm now threatens to become a mammoth non-tropical storm which could batter eastern New England Saturday.

Noel will have little impact with our weather. A ridge of high pressure will keep us dry this weekend with seasonably cool air. The big blast of cold air is still anticipated for early next week. The cold front is expected to blow through here by Monday Night or Tuesday morning. Behind this front is the coldest air since the middle of April of 2006, some seven months ago! High temperatures on Tuesday will be in the 40’s, with the high most likely to occur in the morning. Afternoon temperatures Tuesday will be hovering in the 30’s. Some of us will even see our first flakes of the season by Tuesday or Wednesday. Cool Novembers are pretty common around here during a La Nina, the cooling of the waters in the equatorial Pacific off the coast of Peru.

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

NOVEMBER 1, 2007: WELCOME TO NOVEMBER

November can be a crazy month when it comes to weather. For instance the record high temperature today is 82 degrees back in 1950. Little did the folks around in 1950 know that a blizzard would occur just a few weeks later for Thanksgiving. The Thanksgiving Blizzard of 1950 produced 47.5 inches of snow, still a record for this area.

A typical November produces 3.1 inches of snow, but last year we only saw a trace of the white stuff. The average high and low temperature for November 1 is 59 and 38 degrees respectively. By November 30th the average high falls to 45 degrees and the average low is 29 degrees. The coldest November temperature on record is -1 set back on November 30, 1958. The warmest November temperature is 85 degrees set on November 5, 1948.

Looking at our weather at a glance, seasonal temperatures for early November will prevail through the weekend. A powerful cold front will blow through the area late Monday or early Tuesday of next week. Behind this front, Old Man Winter is lurking with cold and our first snow flakes of the season.

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