Seasonal Snowfall More Than Three Feet Above Normal

Spring is exactly one month away, and it can't come soon enough. Winter cold will return next week along with two chances for snow. The first snow event will happen Sunday night when a reinforcement of Arctic air arrives. Light rain will develop during the evening, but it will change to snow Sunday night into Monday morning. A coastal storm will bring some light snow to the region next Wednesday.

Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford has measured nearly three feet of snow this month alone (32.1"). Eight of the 20 days this month have featured measured snow, including three with at least a half-foot. February's snowfall is more than two feet above the normal value (5.8") and more than last year's total of 30.4" through today. That's impressive.

Local climatologist Ralph Fato created this chart illustrating the Top 10 Snowiest Locations and the Top 10 Snowiest Departures across the United States as of February 19. Bridgeport is sixth in the latter category, having received more than three feet of snow above normal. The seasonal total (56.2") didn't crack the top ten list in the former category, but it's still well above normal and higher than last year's total (51.3") through the same date.

The snow depth is at 13" as of this morning, due in no small part to the cold temperatures this month. In fact, the average daily temperature for February is 28.4 degrees, which is 3.4 degrees below normal. Thirteen of the first 18 days this month were colder than normal, including a streak of eight in a row from February 6 through February 13. There were four straight days (February 9 through February 12) which were at least 10 degrees below normal.

The Vernal Equinox is just one month away, and many people can't wait for Springlike weather to arrive. This Winter has been snowier and colder than normal around these parts, and sunshine and milder temperatures will be a welcome change. It's just a matter of time.

Paul