Frequently, weather patterns are such that certain forecasts are fairly persistent. For example, sometimes during the winter, a coastal storm may occur on a Tuesday, bringing heavy snow to much of the mid-Atlantic and the Northeast. Then, during the next week or so, another coastal storm may occur, followed by another a week later.
Historically, this has happened many winters. On the other hand, there are winters when storm systems cut up to the west of our region bringing snow, then sleet and, even, freezing rain, storm after storm over time. This has been the pattern this winter … so far.
I call this the “pattern of persistence.” In other years, we may have cold, but dry winters, cold and snowy winters and also, mild winters with a lot of rain. Skiers obviously enjoy the cold and snowy winters, of which we have had many over the last couple of decades. The bottom line is, I think, that a whole lot of snow and sustained cold is just not a part of this winter, although things can change, but, not immediately.
Last Friday, we had another system that tracked to our north with a mixed-bag result. Another system, late Sunday into today is bringing another round of snow and/or sleet. This week, we’ll see the process continue with another round of snow, then sleet, then freezing rain, and maybe even plain rain around mid week.
The coastal bomb is just not in the cards, it seems, this winter. That said, I’ve been around for a long time, and I’ve seen abrupt changes occur, especially when we get into March. Frankly, it would not surprise me if that coastal bomb appears in March, even after the first day of spring. Guess, what — time will tell.