As 2023 wrapped up, I was wondering where winter went. While the region had a couple bouts of the white stuff, it felt as though things weren’t as snowy as they could have been, including Christmas.
In fact, the National Weather Service office in Pittsburgh posted on its Facebook page on Dec. 25, that “Today marks the warmest Christmas in over 40 years for Pittsburgh … The maximum high temperature this afternoon was 60 degrees.”
In contrast, Franklin was a little cooler at 50 degrees, according to National Weather Service data. However, that temperature was still too warm for any snow that had fallen to stick around.
In contrast, Franklin was a little cooler at 50 degrees, according to National Weather Service data. However, that temperature was still too warm for any snow that had fallen to stick around.
The Pittsburgh office also posted that “Pittsburgh only had one day this entire year with more than two inches of snow. … On Jan. 22, 2023, we had 2.2 inches of snow. When looking at maximum 24-hour snowfall amounts for a calendar year, that it is the lowest amount in our record books.”
Pouring through National Weather service stats, Franklin only received 2.1 inches of snow on Jan. 23, 2023. However, Franklin got 3.1 inches and 3.2 inches of snow on Nov. 1 and 2, 2023. I believed those totals were due to some recent lake effect snow bands.
These findings seemed to agree with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s prediction of a drier-than- average and warmer-than-average winter for the Great Lakes region.
Franklin’s lowest recorded temperature for December 2023 was 18 degrees, according to National Weather Service data. A high of 58 degrees was recorded on Dec. 9, 2023.
Franklin’s lowest recorded temperature for December 2023 was 18 degrees, according to National Weather Service data. A high of 58 degrees was recorded on Dec. 9, 2023.
Two inches of snow was reported on Dec. 19. That total was followed by over a half an inch of rain on Dec. 28.
The snowfall total for December 2023 for Franklin was 2 inches which was a far cry from the normal of 11.7 inches, according to weather service data.
The stats for January through March of 2023 showed a deficit of snowfall. Normal snowfall accumulations were 17.9 inches for January, 11.5 for February and 8.9 inches for March. The totals for early 2023 fell short with January netting 6.6 inches of snow; February garnered 1.3 inches and March measured 4.4 inches of snowfall.
The snowfall total for December 2023 for Franklin was 2 inches which was a far cry from the normal of 11.7 inches, according to weather service data.
The stats for January through March of 2023 showed a deficit of snowfall. Normal snowfall accumulations were 17.9 inches for January, 11.5 for February and 8.9 inches for March. The totals for early 2023 fell short with January netting 6.6 inches of snow; February garnered 1.3 inches and March measured 4.4 inches of snowfall.
While the snowfall total was a deficit, the overall precipitation total was still running short as well. According to National Weather Service data for Franklin, December 2023 finished out with 2.89 inches of precipitation which is down from the normal of 3.36 inches.
Data listed the total 2023 precipitation for Franklin at 41.17 inches which was just shy of the normal level of 46.33 inches.
Data listed the total 2023 precipitation for Franklin at 41.17 inches which was just shy of the normal level of 46.33 inches.
However, winter may still be around the corner. A Dec. 29 post by WJLA Meteorologist Jordan Evans hinted that colder temperatures could be on the way.
“Early indications of a weakening polar vortex could send Arctic air into North America next month (January)”, Evans posted on wjla.com.
“Early indications of a weakening polar vortex could send Arctic air into North America next month (January)”, Evans posted on wjla.com.
 | “Much of the U.S. is overdue for some cold air and winter-like temperatures as December 2023 will be one of the warmest on record for many cities. Computer models are suggesting (a polar vortex) happening in early January,” Evans continued. A graphic included with Evans’ post showed that the northern half of the Midwest would bear the brunt of the colder temperatures. It appeared that most of Pennsylvania would be affected but the temperatures did not appear to be as brutally cold. Meanwhile, The National Weather Service’s Climate Predication Center’s six-to-10-day outlook graphic depicted above average temperatures and precipitation for our region. The eight-to-14-day outlook also predicted above average temperatures and precipitation for the Mid-Atlantic region. |
The graphic predicted that most of the continental U.S. west of the Mississippi would see below average temperatures in the next eight to 14 days, according to the center.
Of course, the graphics just included precipitation chances. They weren't specific as to snow or rain. As of Jan. 2, 2024, the National Weather Service's Pittsburgh office began posting about a potential disturbance that could result in accumulating snow for the much of the state this weekend.
Will January and February 2024 bring more snow and cold? Only Mother Nature really knows the answer and she’s unpredictable. That’s just the nature of things ‘round here.
Of course, the graphics just included precipitation chances. They weren't specific as to snow or rain. As of Jan. 2, 2024, the National Weather Service's Pittsburgh office began posting about a potential disturbance that could result in accumulating snow for the much of the state this weekend.
Will January and February 2024 bring more snow and cold? Only Mother Nature really knows the answer and she’s unpredictable. That’s just the nature of things ‘round here.
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