Caption: A map of the North American winter season
The 2023-24 North American winter is bringing extreme weather conditions to the continent, leaving a lasting impact on various regions. From powerful storms to record-breaking snowfall, this winter season is one for the books. Let's take a closer look at the events that have unfolded so far.
Seasonal Forecasts
AccuWeather, a leading weather forecasting agency, predicted an El Niño for this winter. According to their forecast, the Southeastern United States and California would experience above-average precipitation, potentially leading to severe weather outbreaks. The Midwestern United States, on the other hand, was expected to have higher temperatures and drier conditions. Cities like Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh were anticipated to see more snowfall compared to the previous year. Storms were also forecasted to be common on the West Coast [^1^].
Seasonal Summary
The 2023-24 North American winter has been characterized by several significant weather events. Let's dive into some of the most notable ones:
Pre-Thanksgiving Storm Complex
Shortly before U.S. Thanksgiving, a winter storm impacted Northern New England, leaving up to 6 inches (15 cm) of snow in Vermont, with New Hampshire and Maine also experiencing significant snowfall. The storm resulted in car crashes and flight cancellations, causing disruptions in the affected areas [^4^] [^6^].
Christmas Day Blizzard
On Christmas Day, an intensifying low-pressure system transformed into a blizzard, blanketing the Upper Midwest with more than 12-18 inches (30-46 cm) of snow. The storm caused whiteout conditions, strong winds, and numerous accidents, affecting travel and leading to flight cancellations [^16^] [^17^].
Mid-January Cold Wave
A severe cold wave accompanied by freezing temperatures gripped the nation, impacting even political events and professional sports. The Iowa Caucuses and an NFL game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins faced challenges due to the extreme cold. The wave resulted in record low temperatures and wind chills in several states, including Montana, North Dakota, and Texas [^43^] [^45^].
Mid-January Winter Storm
Another winter storm hit Oregon, resulting in fatalities, power outages, and transportation disruptions. It also brought significant snowfall to the Northeastern United States, breaking records in cities like Philadelphia and Baltimore but leaving New York City with minimal snow accumulation. The storm affected various regions, causing damage and loss of life [^56^] [^58^].
Season Effects
The 2023-24 North American winter has already left a significant impact across the continent. With storms, heavy snowfall, and extreme cold, the season has resulted in damage, power outages, and unfortunately, loss of life. The true extent of the effects is still being assessed.
As the winter season continues, it's crucial to stay informed and prepared for any weather-related challenges that may arise. Stay safe, bundle up, and brace yourself for whatever Mother Nature has in store.
References
[^1^]: AccuWeather, "2023-24 North American Winter Forecast," accessed January 24, 2024. [^4^]: "Pre-Thanksgiving storm complex". [^6^]: "Christmas day blizzard". [^16^]: "Mid-January cold wave". [^56^]: "Mid-January winter storm". [^58^]: "Season effects".
