Weather Research Uncovers Interesting Newspaper Clippings

I'm sure you're aware by now that I'm somewhat of a local weather historian. Not a day goes by without me taking a cursory glance at the local weather record book. Obviously, some dates provide more interesting weather facts than others. This morning, though, I was surprised to find out about a unique snowstorm which happened on this date in 1949.

According to the record book, over a foot (12.6") of snow fell across southwestern Connecticut, but record snow blanketed much of inland Connecticut. Naturally, I searched my newspaper archives to find more information about the storm, and I came across the front-page of The Naugatuck Daily News, dated Tuesday, March 1, 1949. Take a look at the headline.

United Press International reported that the weather bureau confirmed that the daily snowfall for February 28, 1949, was the heaviest of any single 24-hour storm on record as of that date. The official Hartford snowfall measured 19 inches. However, heavier snow amounts fell across northwestern Connecticut. The previous record was 18.2" in 1945.

"Naugatuck is digging out from 23-and-a-half inches of snow as the worst storm of the Winter subsides," according to the front-page article. "Two persons are dead in Connecticut as a result of the storm, but the borough has been free from fatalities, serious accidents, or injuries in connection with the weather."

Statistics from the Naugatuck Water Company showed that the 10th snowstorm of that memorable Winter brought the season's total to 57 inches. Liquid precipitation totaled 1.78 inches. For the 24-hour period ending the following morning, March 1, the minimum temperature was 28 degrees, and the maximum temperature was 33 degrees.

Oh, and here's an advertisement I saw on one of the pages of the newspaper. I think you'll get a kick out of it. The ad doesn't mention how much the new automobile cost, but we can only guess. At least we know the weather statistics from that storm 63 years ago today.

Paul

Mild Temperatures May Deliver Warmest February on Record

Despite the blustery weeekend and the likelihood of Winter weather this Wednesday, it looks like this will be the warmest February on record across southwestern Connecticut. The average temperature this month is 38.6 degrees, which is a whopping 6.3 degrees above normal and 1.3 degrees above the record of 37.3 degrees set in 1997.

A closer look at this month's record book reveals that there has been just one colder-than normal day in February. That was Februaery 12 when the daily average of 26 degrees was six degrees below normal. Every other day this month has been warmer than normal. In fact, the mercury reached 60 degrees or higher twice this month.

In addition, there have been seven days which featured average temperatures at least 10 degrees above normal, punctuated by an average temperature of 51 degrees February 1, which was 21 degrees above normal. Viewer Hillka Shulz of Stamford took the following colorful photos last week. Keep in mind that the normal average high temperature for the last week in February is 41 degrees.

Today will be another mild, breezy day with afternoon temperatures hovering close to 50 degrees under mostly sunny skies. Tonight will become mostly couldy early with a possible flurry or sprinkle and a low in the low-to-mid 30s. Tomorrow will become mostly sunny and cooler with a high in the mid 40s.

However, February will end on a stormy note as snow is expected to develop late Wednesday morning before changing to rain in the afternoon. It will become quite windy with a high temperature of close to 40 degrees. Any rain will likely change back to snow or a Wintry mix Wednesday night before ending Thursday afternoon. Leap Day may be one we'd like to jump right over!

Paul

Year-Long Stretch of Warmer-Than-Normal Temperatures

Springlike temperatures will be with us over the next couple of days as the mercury climbs well into the 50s this afternoon, courtesy of a mild South wind. This morning's "low" temperature didn't drop below 40 degrees, which is the normal afternoon high for this time of the year. Since the end of last Winter's unforgettable snowstorms in February, the average monthly temperatures in southwestern Connecticut have been above normal each of the last 12 months.

I looked at our weather record book and noticed that the last time the average monthly temperature was below normal happened in February of 2011. The average temperature that month was 31.1 degrees, which was less than one degree (-0.8) below normal. The warmest stretch has happened over the last three months, when the average monthly temperature was more than five degrees above normal in December, January, and February.

Take a look at the following chart, which shows the average monthly temperature as compared to the normal value for each month.

Month/Avg. Temp./Normal Temp./Departure

• February 2012     37.8     31.9     +5.9
• January 2012     35.7     30.1     +5.6
• December 2011     41.1     35.4     +5.7
• November 2011     49.8     45.5     +4.3
• October 2012     57.0     54.9     +2.1
• September 2011     70.1     66.2     +3.9
• August 2011     74.8     73.3     +1.5
• July 2011     77.6     74.0     +3.6
• June 2011     69.5     68.0     +1.5
• May 2011     61.1     59.0     +2.1
• April 2011     50.4     48.9     +1.5
• March 2011     39.7     39.5     +0.2
• February 2011     31.1     31.9     -0.8

Much cooler air will arrive this weekend, and it will be quite windy, especially Saturday, after the cold front crosses the region. In fact, Sunday's high temperatures may not escape the 30s. However, since it has been much warmer than normal thus far this month, the colder air this weekend should affect our strea of 12 straight months of above-average temperatures. March begins exactly one week from today. I wonder how long this streak will last?

Paul

Ninth Anniversary of Presidents Day Blizzard

We'll enjoy a taste of early Spring once again today as temperatures climb close to 50 degrees or better. Early clouds and showers will give way to partly sunny skies this afternoon. The holiday weekend is just about here, and the well-publicized Sunday storm now looks as though it will miss us completely. The weather computer models indicate that it will pass well to the South of us. However, that wasn't the case nine years ago today.

Today marks the anniversary of the unforgettable Presidents Day Blizzard of 2003. It ranked as the snowiest day on record at the time at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford, tying the previous mark of 16 inches established on December 19, 1948, over a half-century ago. In New York's Central Park, where records date back well over a century, the 19.8 inches rank as the fifth snowiest single day total ever! The weather map below is from midday February 17, 2003.



The snowfall totals across southwestern Connecticut were impressive. Darien and New Canaan measured the most snow (20 inches), while Westport (19"), Bridgeport (17"), Norwalk (16"), and Milford (15") also posted impressive totals. New Fairfield, in Northern Fairfield County, led the way locally with exactly two feet of snow. Here is the satellite image of the massive storm.



The magnitude of the storm was quite impressive. It spread heavy snow across the major cities in the Northeast from Washington to Boston. In fact, it was the biggest snowstorm on record in Baltimore (28.2") and Boston (27.5"). The storm actually developed in the southern Rockies on February 14 and moved through southern Missouri and the lower Tennessee Valley over the next two days. Eventually, the storm brought heavy rain and severe weather to the deep South.

In the Northeast, Arctic air helped slow down the storm and kept all of the precipitation in the form of snow and some sleet. By late Sunday evening, February 16, the snow reached the New York City area, and by midnight, it was snowing across all of southwestern Connecticut. A secondary area of low pressure developed off the Virginia coast the morning of February 17, turning the Nor'easter into a full-blown blizzard.

I'm often asked how it feels to work during a major storm, from driving into work in the middle of the night to staying on the air for hours at a time. I tell people it's kind of like my version of the Super Bowl or the World Series. I'm on the main stage, and my adreline is flowing all day long. The viewers play a vital role by sending me their weather observations, current conditions, and photos which I use all the time. During a big storm, give me the ball or, in this case, clicker! It's the "big time" for me.

This Presidents Day holiday weekend will be much quieter. Tomorrow will faeture sunshine followed by late-day clouds with a high in the middle 40s. Sunday will become partly sunny and seasonable with a high in the lower 40s. Presidents Day will be mostly sunny and breezy with a high in the low 40s. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.

Paul

Six Years Since Record-Setting Snowstorm

Yesterday marked the sixth anniversary of the record-setting snowstorm of Sunday, February 12, 2006. New York City's largest snowstorm ever at the time was classified as a category three major storm. Low pressure formed over the Southeastern United States and moved Northeast off the mid Atlantic coast by Saturday evening, February 11.

The storm then intensified as it moved to the East-Northeast, passing South of Long Island on Sunday morning, February 12. A very intense band of heavy snow developed, producing snowfall rates as high as two-to-four inches an hour across extreme Southeastern New York and across much of Southern New England. Here is a sampling of the official snowfall totals from across southwestern Connecticut following that memorable snowstorm:

• West Redding: 28"
• Easton: 27"
• Stamford: 24.5"
• Darien: 22.5"
• Norwalk: 22"
• New Canaan: 21.5"
• Fairfield: 18"
• Stratford: 13"
• Bridgeport: 12.5"

Here is video of the storm taken in Stamford where two feet of snow fell:



The storm closed regional airports, canceling hundreds of flights and for several hours virtually paralyzing normal traffic for city residents who took to the snow-caked streets in snowshoes and skis. New York municipal authorities had braced for the onslaught. Five-thousand workers at the New York City Department of Sanitation were put in place to use about 2,000 pieces of heavy equipment, including 350 salt spreaders and 20 snow-melting machines.

The National Weather Service said 26.9 inches of snowfall was measured in Central Park, exceeding the previous record of 26.4 inches, set in December 1947. The Winter storm's high winds, icy snow, thunder and lightning hit much of the mid-Atlantic and New England region, with parts of Arkansas and Tennessee also feeling the brunt of the storm.

"It's certainly the strongest storm this winter season," said Bruce Sullivan, an official with the National Weather Service. It hit a fairly large area, with accumulations of more than 20 inches of snow throughout New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. Power also was out at thousands of homes and businesses in the New York City metropolitan area, including southwestern Connecticut.


This Friday, February 17, marks the ninth anniversary of the Presidents Day snowstorm of 2003. That was one of the largest snowstorms in New York City's weather record books, too. I'll take a closer look at that storm later this week. For now, though, we won't have to worry about any snow. We'll enjoy a warming trend through the middle of the week with daytime temperatures climbing into the 40s tomorrow and Wednesday.

Paul

Today Marks Anniversary of Crippling Snowstorm of 1969

This Winter has been relatively quiet, with just one snowstorm and temperatures above normal much of the time. We'll enjoy pleasant weather the next two days under mostly sunny skies and readings well into the 40s. However, our weather picture will change dramatically this weekend with the possibility of snow as an Arctic cold front delivers gusty winds and much colder temperatures.

I'm sure many of you can remember what it was like around here 43 years ago today. A crippling snowstorm virtually paralyzed the Northeast with a foot-and-a-half of snow and wind-driven drifts up to six feet. The unforgettable storm of February 9, 1969 left over 1,100 motorists stranded in Fairfield County on Interstate 95. The travelers slept on top of phone booths, snack bar counters, in rest rooms, and on the floors of four restaurants in Fairfield and Darien during the storm.



The snow was whipped by gale-force winds of up to 72 miles an hour at times, according to officials at the United States Weather Bureau at Stratford's Sikorsky Memorial Airport. The bureau said the storm was the worst in southwestern Connecticut since March 22, 1967, when 11 inches of snow accumulated. Only the temperature, which failed to drop below 20 degrees, kept the storm from being classified as a blizzard.

Major industries, stores, shopping centers, businesses, schools, and all state and federal offices were closed. Motorists who were able to navigate through the snow were quite often blocked by disabled vehicles on the side and middle of roadways, and they were often forced to drive the wrong way on one-way streets. Only two of the three lanes on each side of Interstate 95 were open for travel a day after storm. There were two deaths in southwestern Connecticut attributed to the storm.



The most serious situation occurred in North Haven where the Northbound lanes of I-91 were blocked by an estimated 200 cars. State police said one state trooper's car was trapped in the middle of the jam. State police also reported that they were having trouble getting tow trucks to clear away the tangled cars because most service station vehicles were plowing.

Regionally, 90 streets in Danbury were impassable because of drifting snow. The Long Island Railroad shut down, cutting off 90,000 commuters. The Penn Central and New Haven railroads drastically cut schedules, and buses were mired in huge traffic jams caused by stalled and deserted vehicles. All three major metropolitan-area airports were closed, and more than 6,000 people were stranded at Kennedy Airport.

Do you remember the storm of February 9, 1969? I certainly do. I was in fifth-grade at the time, and I was thrilled that school remained closed for a few days. Forty years later, my sons are just as excited when they have a snow day. I guess the more things change, the more they remain the same.

Paul

February Night Sky Illuminated by Full Snow Moon

You may have noticed how bright it was last night. Although it was clear and chilly, the night sky was illuminated by the nearly Full Snow Moon, which happens at 4:54 EST this afternoon. The Moon will rise at 4:26 local time this afternoon and sets at 5:59 tomorrow morning.

So, how did the February Full Moon get its name, anyway? Since the heaviest snow usually falls during this month, native tribes of the North and East most often called February's Full Moon the Full Snow Moon. Some tribes also referred to this Moon as the Full Hunger Moon, since harsh weather conditions in their areas made hunting very difficult.

Remember, Full Moon names date back to the days of the Native Americans, who lived in what is now the Northern and Eastern United States. The tribes kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring Full Moon. Their names were applied to the entire month in which each occurred. There was some variation in the Moon names, but in general, the same ones were current throughout the Algonquin tribes from New England to Lake Superior.



This Moon has also been known as the Full Storm Moon and Full Candles Moon. A Full Moon rises at about the same time the Sun is setting. Since the length of daylight continues to grow each day through the Summer Solstice, today's Full Moon will rise a little later than it did in December or January. In addition, this Full Moon will appear still fairly high in the sky since we're in the heart of Winter.

We should also get a fairly good look at it later tonight with mostly clear to partly cloudy skies through midnight. However, a cold front will arrive later tomorrow, bringing more clouds and a chance of flurries and snow showers. No major storms are expected through the start of the weekend. Enjoy the Full Snow Moon.

Paul

Punxsutawney Phil Predicts Six More Weeks of Winter

The official word came shortly before 7:30 this morning. Punxsutawney Phil, the famous ground hog from Gobbler's Nob, Pennsylvania, saw his shadow. According to legend, that means we'll have six more weeks of Winter. Needless to say, Phil's prediction was greeted by a chorus of boos by the sea of onlookers who attended the event. However, if the next six weeks are anything like the last three months, we shouldn't have much to worry about. Take a look at this photo taken yesterday by Tony Grasso of Norwalk.

This morning's festivities were nothing short of spectacular, to say the least. Thousands of people gathered overnight, and well before daybreak there was singing, dancing, entertainment, and the most dramatic fireworks display you'll ever see. We were able to show the drama unfold, culminating with Phil's long-awaited proclamation, during our morning newscast on News 12 Connecticut.

So, how did Groundhog Day originate, anyway? The earliest known reference to Groundhog Day can be found at the Pennsylvania Dutch Folklore Center at Franklin and Marshall College. According to storekeeper James Morris' diary dated February 4, 1841, "Last Tuesday, the second, was Candlemas Day, the day on which, according to the Germans, the groundhog peeps out of his Winter quarters. If he sees his shadow, he pops back for another six-week nap. But if it remain cloudy, he remains out as the weather is to be moderate."

According to the Old English saying, "If Candlemas be fair and bright, Winter has another flight. If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, Winter will not come again." According to the Scottish, "If Candlemas Day is bright and clear, there will be two Winters in the year." Finally, the Germans believe, "For as the Sun shines on Candlemas Day, so far will the snow swirl until May. For as the snow blows on Candlemas Day, so far will the Sun shine before May."

Over the years, there have been several interesting anecdotes to Groundhog Day. For example, during Prohibition, Phil threatened to impose 60 weeks of Winter on the community if he wasn't allowed a drink. Phil traveled to Washington, DC, in 1986 to meet with President Reagan, and, one year later, he met Pennsylvania Governor Dick Thornberg. In 1993, Columbia Pictures released the movie Groundhog Day, starring comedian Bill Murray, and Phil appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 1995.

Following the release of the movie, annual crowds in excess of 30,000 have visited Gobbler's Knob. The spectacle has turned into a media event and has become quite commercial, too, with vendors hawking "Phil" tee-shirts, sweatshirts, a plastic Phil bank, Phil ornaments, and a classic Punxsutawney Phil cookbook. I wouldn't mind wearing one of those sweatshirts, in fact!

It is said that Punxsutawney Phil gets his longevity from drinking the "elixir of life," a secret recipe. Phil takes one sip every summer at the Groundhog Picnic and it magically gives him seven more years of life. So the story goes, Punxsutawney Phil was named after King Phillip. Prior to being called Phil, he was called Br'er Groundhog. Despite his prediction this morning, I'm still one of Phil's biggest fans!

Happy Groundhog Day.

Paul

Unseasonably Mild January Comes to a Close

February is starting much the same way that January ended. Yesterday's record high temperature of 54 degrees broke the previous mark of 53, which was established in 1974. Today's record high of 57, set in 1989, is also in jeopardy of being broken. The official weather data has been tabulated for January and, not surprisingly, the month was much warmer than normal.

The average temperature last month was 35.7 degrees, which is a whopping 5.6 degrees above normal. However, it was more than a degree colder than the warmest January on record (37.1 degrees) in 1950. The warmest temperature was 55 degrees on February 7 and 27, while the coldest temperature was 12 degrees on February 4 and 16.

Twenty-four of the days last month featured average daily temperatures above normal, including 13 days when the average was 10 degrees or more above normal. The last nine days of the month were warmer than normal. The only cold stretch last month happened between January 15 and 22 when five of the days were colder than normal.

Nearly three inches (2.98") of liquid precipitation fell last month, which is just below the 3.10" normal for January. Over a half-foot (7.4") of snow fell last month, with most of that happening during the Saturday, January 21 storm which brought 6.2" to the region. There were 12 days with at least one-hundredth of an inch of precipitation; eight days with at least a tenth of an inch; and 1 day with more than a half-inch.

Now, we'll eagerly await the groundhog's prediction tomorrow morning. The Vernal Equinox, or the first day of Spring, is exactly seven weeks from today. However, according to legend, if the groundhog sees his shadow, Spring can't be too far off. Based on our weather today, it looks as though Spring has arrived a month-and-a-half early.

Paul