tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4572286363399496963.post7713994431839814483..comments2024-03-28T07:09:59.093-08:00Comments on Deep Cold: Alaska Weather & Climate: Winter AnalogsRickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03946704894714514716noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4572286363399496963.post-7093866600487743702014-12-19T23:14:39.976-09:002014-12-19T23:14:39.976-09:00Yes Eric I have seen your perspective. It tends to...Yes Eric I have seen your perspective. It tends to create an atypical appreciation for non-winter's benefits and crate a hectic summer. <br /><br />The problem is that residents (specially the young and old) give up half their potentially healthy active outdoor life in favor of indoor pursuits. <br /><br />It isn't a matter of good or bad, I believe it's a matter of choice for chill versus year round outdoor activity. Income and lifestyle preferences tend to be the factors in the decision to occupy Interior Alaska.<br /><br />GaryNL7Yhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15874712728971005352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4572286363399496963.post-45501515970783211272014-12-19T18:20:17.017-09:002014-12-19T18:20:17.017-09:00I don't if cold weather is all that bad, Gary....I don't if cold weather is all that bad, Gary. Having -40 has its benefits: tow trucks owners get more money, tires stick to the road, people get bragging rights for living in the coldest city (being defined by population over 10000) in the United States, the 40 Below Club lives on, and -20 feels like Hawaii.Eric Lundellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17914784378747801359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4572286363399496963.post-69599333372562132922014-12-19T11:03:38.816-09:002014-12-19T11:03:38.816-09:00There's lots of research and papers written re...There's lots of research and papers written regarding the PDO and it's effects on the world's climate. I've yet to find one that claims skills in prediction. Watching is probably the best course as the PDO is likely a consequence of other influencing factors and connections.<br /><br />In the meantime, whatever it takes to keep that cold air mass over northern Canada contained is my friend.<br /><br />Gary NL7Yhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15874712728971005352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4572286363399496963.post-50122042925915334482014-12-19T04:46:43.687-09:002014-12-19T04:46:43.687-09:00Interesting speculation regarding regime change, G...Interesting speculation regarding regime change, Gary. 1976 is a good analog for ENSO and PDO, and also holds the all-time record for October Eurasian snow cover (1967-present, satellite era). Of course it was a very cold winter in the lower 48 and until 2009-2010 had the lowest winter mean AO index on record.<br /><br />If the PDO switches back to long-term positive, then it would bring an apparently premature end to the recent cold phase. It will be interesting to watch.<br />Richard Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08313902028896263276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4572286363399496963.post-73205737742964764932014-12-19T04:40:41.414-09:002014-12-19T04:40:41.414-09:00Only one winter (1930-present) failed to reach -30...Only one winter (1930-present) failed to reach -30, the winter of 1976-1977. The coldest that winter was -28, and that not until March 6! Prior to March the coldest was -24. The coldest high temp was -11, a full 5F higher than the next warmest winter.<br /><br />Nearly 1 in 10 winters has 4 consecutive months warmer than normal (Nov-Feb) - so persistent warmth is not too uncommon - although only 2002-2003 really compared to 76-77 in terms of magnitude of anomaly.<br />Richard Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08313902028896263276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4572286363399496963.post-84870609825133948932014-12-18T18:03:14.192-09:002014-12-18T18:03:14.192-09:00Enjoy the mild temps folks, and the temporary lowe...Enjoy the mild temps folks, and the temporary lowering cost of fuel. We get one of these potentially mild winters every so often and need to appreciate the relief. <br /><br />I should hope for a regime change like in the later '70's but that might be too much to ask as a gift for the Holidays?<br /><br />Gary NL7Yhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15874712728971005352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4572286363399496963.post-75433370161582170112014-12-18T16:41:54.898-09:002014-12-18T16:41:54.898-09:00Thanks Richard.
With a 65% chance of above averag...Thanks Richard.<br /><br />With a 65% chance of above average temps in January, it seems that we won't get a low of -40 this year. In fact, it's almost like we won't hit the -30's. This brings up another question: has there ever been a year in Fairbanks where -30 was never reached? Or in other words, what is the warmest winter on record with respect to minimum temps?<br /><br />At least I'll save on my electric bill by not having to plugin my car.<br /><br />It makes sense that Eurasian snow would impact the AO. The Siberian high is a powerful force during the winter. Anything that changed that will change the world's weather.Eric Lundellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17914784378747801359noreply@blogger.com