Where's Winter?

As of January 16, 2000, CASI Headquarters had received only 0.5" of snow. The nearest official climo station, Penn State University, had recorded 0.8". This has left locals wondering... Where's Winter?

We're not the only ones. Portland ME NWS issued a statement last week regarding the lack of snow there, which was an all-time record. That ended today as a storm system spread snow over Maine. Boston also reported no measurable snow until last week when a storm hit them.

NWS-Norfolk VA also noted that the 90's have been dry for snow overall, according to their records.

Snowcover in the Northeast US (and even elsewhere) shows a sharp contrast between this year and last. The following images are from NOAA. Click for larger versions. Notice the lack of snowcover in the Appalachians and Northeast US.

1999 Snowcover Jan 4th		2000 Snowcover Jan 4th

The lack of snow here in State College is certainly unprecedented since 1992, which was as far back as we could get records for in time for this report.

KPSU CLIMO STATION RECORDS (According to AccuWeather.com):

FALL 1992 - 18.9
FALL 1993 - 11.1
FALL 1994 - 04.0
FALL 1995 - 46.0
FALL 1996 - 10.8
FALL 1997 - 17.2
FALL 1998 - 02.0
FALL 1999 - 00.4

FALL 1992 - JAN 1993 -  20.9
FALL 1993 - JAN 1994 -  43.1 
FALL 1994 - JAN 1995 -  05.4
FALL 1995 - JAN 1996 -  85.8
FALL 1996 - JAN 1997 -  25.2
FALL 1997 - JAN 1998 -  26.1
FALL 1998 - JAN 1999 -  21.9
FALL 1999 - JAN 2000 -  00.8 SO FAR

© 2000 Central Atlantic Storm Investigators