Monday, October 21, 2013

Are we in for a harsh winter?

I heard a few weeks back that the Farmer's Almanac this year is predicting a colder-than-normal winter. Oh boy.

There was the devastating and freakish snowstorm that hit South Dakota the first week of October, dumping a record 4-plus feet of snow.  

And I can tell you we've already had two very unusual snow events in Kansas this year. It snowed in early May, which is pretty rare for us, and now it snowed for several hours this past Friday, October 18. According to this article at the Great Bend Tribune, a Wichita meteorologist called it "definitely an early snowfall."

That means we've technically only had a 4-month break from snow this year and that on the heels of several previous years of mild winters, severe drought and record stretches of 100-plus-degree days.  

Now, it's Kansas, it's the Midwest, and any Midwesterner will tell you, "You don't like the weather? Just wait awhile." It's always changing and unpredictable. But I have an idea we're in for something more this year. There's just an ominous feel to the air.

Here's a quick photo I snapped during my travels Friday. Everyone I've talked to who has lived here a long time was just shocked and caught off guard. I wonder what's in store? Lucky for me it's in God's hands and I can't really do much about it but pray :)









27 comments:

  1. I live in Arizona. Bring on the cold weather!!

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    1. Oh my gosh, you could use a little down there! I lived in southern Utah for a couple of years and it was BOILING hot in the summer.

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  2. I live in Northern Ontario, Canada and we're pretty used to cold weather. We usually take it in stride - or better still turn it into something fun like outdoor sports or inside fireplace cozying. But there's been a lot of talk here about that same ominous feeling for this winter which has me concerned too. Maybe we should stock up a little . . .

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    1. You know, probably stocking up is a good idea! And oh my gosh, yes, you really get some winters up there!

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  3. I'm afraid we're in for bad winter too. We're supposed to get our first snow this week. Local meteorologists are saying it's going to be really snowy and cold this year in Michigan. I guess we'll see!

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    1. Did you get much of a snow? Ours was gone quick but it sure had everyone stumped.

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  4. Thank you for reminding me again why I love living in California! I can't even imagine dealing with the weather you are having.

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    1. LOL, my mom saw your comment and said the same thing. She lived in Lompoc, CA for a long time and is now here by me and misses that perfect weather.

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  5. It's been a few years since we had a huge snow storm here in Maryland. I figure we're do for one!

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  6. Snow!!!!!!!!!! Ha! It is getting colder and colder here in Chicago, but way too early for snow - at least so I think! And Amen to the praying part:)

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    1. Oh my, Chicago sure sees its fair share of cold weather! And yes, all we can really do is prepare and pray :)

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  7. Does anyone remember what the old wive's tale is about the fuzzy caterpillars? Supposedly the colors they turn give winter weather predictions.

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    1. Hey, I think I heard that one time, but I've totally forgotten it. It's like the stripes on a coral snake, I get them all mixed up. Oh here it is: "Red touches yellow, dangerous fellow. Red touches black, friend to Jack." And this site has the woolly bear prediction method: http://insects.about.com/od/insectfolklore/f/woolly-bears-winter.htm I've seen TONS of them lately, black and white, so I have no idea what they are saying about the weather.

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  8. I'm thinking we might be in for a harsh winter! We had some sprinkles of snow that day, but I know Western KS got way more! Like real snow fall! I'm excited, I love the snow. Although, I did total my vehicle in January of 2011 during a slick night. So...as long as no traffic accidents, me & winter are friends ;)

    Blessings,
    Nicole @ WKH

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    1. Hi Nicole! I was at Salina and man it really dumped on us! I read in the Great Bend paper they got 2.5 inches. that's crazy! Oh no, glad you were okay even if your car wasn't!

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  9. I'm so not ready!!! And I'm glad you got the snow and not us!

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  10. We had snow in May where I live as well, and we had flurries Sat-yesterday. Only 4 full months without snow! So thankful it didn't stay on the ground and that the sun is SHINING today! Like you, I have to remember that it's in God's hands and I still need to be thankful, regardless of the weather. :)

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    1. I know, it's crazy isn't it! I'd like maybe a bit more of a break!

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  11. Yes, I heard that we were only going to get four months without snow on the ground here in NE.
    We have not received snow this month yet. We did get it on May Day though. So I know there are nine more days that we can get snow yet in October.

    Good luck :)

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    1. I'm surprised you didn't get any in NE the other week. Have you yet?

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  12. We are going to Disney in January! I am hoping the snow starts in February!

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    1. LOL, good luck, I hope the trip turns out fabulous and the weather cooperates :)

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  13. I remember the winter in 2009 was pretty rough... snow peaks as high as the roof on my house! The last few winters haven't been too bad, but I have a feeling this one will be a doozy! Here in NE, we say it's the only state you can have all 4 seasons occur in a single day. lol.

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    1. Oh my, I was still in Florida at that point so I was oblivious to any snow goings on, ha! Now I am aware of all of it! And yes, NE and KS are fairly similar in that regard, though maybe you and CO have it worse.

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  14. I have been hearing the same thing. We live in Colorado so it isn't weird to have snow in Oct but we had it like a week ago and THAT is early for us. I am from Chicago and they even had snow yesterday! I am not looking forward to it!

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    1. Whereabouts in CO? We stay nearby to CO Springs in the summer :) Yeah, the snow showing up everywhere early is a little ominous.

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