Category Archives: Seasons

What was that stuff that fell on Wednesday and Thursday?

Last Wednesday and Thursday many locations in southern Wisconsin experienced snow squalls in which the falling precipitation was momentarily quite intense.

This event was an example of shallow convection — as opposed to the deep convection of summertime thunderstorms. Continue reading

Category: Meteorology, Seasons, Severe Weather

Comments Off on What was that stuff that fell on Wednesday and Thursday?

How common is April snow in Madison?

The recent late March and early April snow in Madison may have stirred memories of, or raised questions about, past such late winter/early spring snows.

Perhaps unsurprisingly to Madisonians, April snow is by no means unusual here in town. Thirty Madison Aprils — out of 84 — since 1939 have had at least one 1-inch snowfall event. Continue reading

Category: History, Seasons

Comments Off on How common is April snow in Madison?

Is it Spring Time?

Spring marks the transition from winter to summer. In astronomical terms, the date that marks the spring in the Northern Hemisphere is the vernal equinox. This year the spring equinox occurred on at 10:33 a.m. Sunday. This is the first … Continue reading

Category: Climate, Meteorology, Seasons

Comments Off on Is it Spring Time?

How are we doing for snowfall this season?

Despite the persistence of snow and ice on the ground this winter, since our first real covering appeared just after Christmas Day, it has been a remarkably snowless winter thus far.

After Thursday night’s 2.7-inch snowfall, the season total for Madison rose to a paltry 21.4 inches, which places us well behind the average for the season to this point, which is 41.3 inches. Continue reading

Category: Climate, Meteorology, Seasons

Comments Off on How are we doing for snowfall this season?

Do you read the “Farmer’s Almanac” for weather forecasts?

No, not seriously.

There are two publications of a “farmer’s almanac.” “The Old Farmer’s Almanac” has been in publication since 1792. Then there’s the “Farmers’ Almanac,” which has been in publication since 1818.

Both publications contain what is typical of almanacs in general — planting dates, tide tables, various astronomical and astrological information, content typically contained in almanacs. They also offer gardening tips as well as jokes and whimsical columns. These two publications also predict the general weather for the coming year. Continue reading

Category: History, Seasons

Comments Off on Do you read the “Farmer’s Almanac” for weather forecasts?