It's a slippery slope, which is bad phrase to use considering the black ice out there into Tuesday morning, but it's one I'll venture into after our first significant snow-dumper of the season for much of Maine.
I'm talking about comparing snowfall outcome versus forecast.
You know we're going to get burned eventually this winter, but hey, I'm putting this one down as a win.
My forecast vs. reality:
**Side note: Thank you for ALL your reports! By the way, if you're looking for the absolute right way to measure snow, I present this fine graphic crafted by NOAA:
As far as our eminent weather pattern...As mentioned, the ice is bad out there tonight. You could literally watch people slipping and sliding on the sidewalks of Portland tonight, which is a terrible thing to do. Right??
Anyway, we'll have some seasonal days Tuesday and Wednesday. Some more flakes will fly later Tuesday night into Wednesday, but most of you will sleep through it. And it won't amount to much.
And then BOOM:
The famous (or infamous) Polar Vortex pays us a visit later this week.
**Yet another side note: You have to understand that this air builds north of the Arctic Circle. It can rotate closely around the North Pole, or it can be dislodged and descend southward to places like Siberia or North America. Well, that's exactly what's happening.
So here we go...as it pays a visit Thursday night through Saturday morning. Look at these estimated Friday morning lows (by the EURO)! We're talking -10 to -15 in Maine (record cold) and wind chills possibly -25 to -35.
Insane. Well, definitely a HUGE anomaly for December.
But I'll be ready...dressed like this
Don't be sticking your tongue on any flagpoles on Friday! And don't shoot your eye out, of course.
Speaking of Christmas, there are signs that the aforementioned Polar Vortex might retreat back up north and cozy itself around the North Pole again.
That would mean a "milder" stretch to hit right around...you guessed it...Christmas Day.
~ TJ Thunder
