Tag Archives: Winter

Does the warm winter mean a warm spring and summer?

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Weather Guys Editor

We have continued to enjoy temperatures well above normal through most of February 2012, making this year’s Dec. 1–Feb. 20 the fifth-warmest on record with an average temperature of 28.3F in Madison. Barring an exceptionally warm last week of the month (which does not appear likely), that is where we will end up — the fifth-warmest winter (defined as December, January, February) of all time in Madison. Continue reading →

Category: Seasons
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Just how warm has this winter been?

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Weather Guys Editor

This winter began much warmer than normal, but where does this year’s mildness rank all-time? You might be surprised to learn that although we are in the top 10 warmest starts to winter, we are not really close to the top. In fact, we are experiencing only the sixth warmest Dec. 1-Feb. 8 in Madison history with an average temperature of 28.3 degrees Fahrenheit during that stretch. Continue reading →

Category: Seasons
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What is the concept of heating degree-days?

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Weather Guys Editor

Each degree that the mean temperature is below 65 degrees is one heating degree-day. So, if today’s average temperature is 55 degrees, that is 10 heating degree-days. Continue reading →

Category: Climate
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What is Groundhog Day and do the forecasts work?

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Weather Guys Editor

Long before computers, the Weather Channel and the Internet, humans needed weather forecasts. Farmers and sailors particularly needed to know if storms were approaching. Over time, various folklore forecasts, often in the form of short rhymes, were devised and passed down through the generations. Although memorable, the folklore forecasts are of uneven quality — some good, others bad. Continue reading →

Category: Meteorology
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How do you measure snow accumulation in high winds?

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Weather Guys Editor

Accurate and precise measurement of snow accumulation is a difficult task. The measurement tools are simple: a ruler or yardstick that measures in inches and tenths of an inch. Continue reading →

Category: Meteorology
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