A (Sad) Song of (No) Ice And Fire

Here we are in mid-November and nary a snowflake in sight. Alas. 

It's not a great sign that we have a better chance of a seeing a forest fire than a flurry or two. And still there are those who think irreparable climate change is a hoax.

This is not exactly the hot start to the winter of '24-25 that we were hoping for. Temperatures continue to run well above normal during the day. It's small consolation, but at least we are consistently getting below freezing in the overnight hours.

The hard-working staff at GSD is scouring the forecast maps for any signs of winter life. While it is certainly nothing to get worked up about, we could see some wet snow next weekend. It will likely fall in high elevation towns and it's unlikely to accumulate on roads, but it's a start. 

If it snows, it will come on the back edge of a low pressure system headed our way on Thursday and Friday. The North American and European models are not in agreement, but we could see wet snow showers at some point on Friday and then again on Sunday. The North American model currently is showing a potential for snow in Massachusetts (heavier snow central) on Sunday, but this is a low confidence projection.

North American model (GFS) for Sunday morning (Nov. 24)

The pattern does seem to be shifting slightly with increased chances for precipitation toward the end of next week and thereafter.

The holiday season is nearly upon us. Keep snowy thoughts in your mind. Old Man Winter will get here eventually. 

We're Back!: A Quick Winter '24-'25 Preview

Welcome back, faithful followers of the flake! Despite how glorious as this fall has been with all the sunny days and lack of rain, it is that time of year when thoughts of snow start to fill our minds. With the first predictions for frost of the season already in the books, it's high time to give you, dear readers, a glimpse into the ol' meteorological crystal ball about the winter ahead.

The good news, we think, is that this winter will certainly not be as bad as last winter. Snowfall was way, way below average for New England with the high point in the winter an early April snow/sleet event that gave all students in Berkshire County the day off. Snow amounts were about half of what we typically get (historically around 60" at the GSD Home Office), and places like Boston (under 10") and Albany (31.8") were simply saddened by the dearth of snow.

This year we expect a bounce back. The forecast is for La Nina conditions this winter. For our area, that typically means higher average temperatures but also average or slightly higher than average precipitation. The higher temperature prediction does not mean all of our storms will be rain events. But what it typically signifies is that we will see many storms start out as snow and then change over to mixed precipitation and then rain. Fortunately, the changeover for those storms often occurs after the morning commute, but the dreaded changeover storms only produce angst for the GSD Staff. So, fewer "slam-dunk-call-it-in-the-night-before" events and more wait-and-see-until-the-morning storms.

While our first delays and snow days are probably at least a month away, parts of New England have seen snow already. High elevation towns in western Maine and in New Hampshire saw snow this week. Mount Washington had enough snow to plow (Oct. 9-11).

Image courtesy of Patrick Hummel, Mount Washington State Parks

NOAA is updating its long-range winter forecast on Thursday (Oct. 17). We'll be sure to pass on any new news ahout winter 2024-25. Until then, think wintry thoughts!

Delays and Snow Days for Thursday, April 4

Snow and sleet is still coming down in Berkshire County. It should continue for several hours before tapering later this morning. Here is the list of delays and snow days: LAST UPDATE: 7:40 AM

SNOW DAY

Berkshire Community College -- no day classes; evening classes TBD

Berkshire Country Day

Berkshire Hills

Berkshire Montessori

Berkshire Waldorf

Clarksburg

Emma Miller (Savoy) 

Berkshire Arts & Technology

Central Berkshire
Gabriel Abbott (Florida)
Hancock

Hillcrest

Hoosac Valley

Lee [upgraded to closed]

Lenox

MCLA [now closed]

Mohawk Trail

Mount Greylock

North Adams

Pine Cobble

Pittsfield

Richmond 

Southern Berkshire

Southwest Vermont SU

Stamford (VT)