April 28 Heating Up And Tornado Video From The Central US Storm Outbreak
Sunday April 28 Morning Report We start this day with thick fog and it might not seem like a change is on the way. A Dense Fog Advisory is in…
February 28 2022
Seasons are blocked out in 3 full months for meteorological records. The end of February marks the end of meteorological winter. So March 1st marks meteorological spring! This is when we begin the records for the new, even though your calendar and astronomical start of spring is on March 20th.
I want to take a brief look back at the Winter Headlines, and look ahead to what March will bring us. This will include:
- Increase in temperature
- Higher sun angle,
- Change in total daylight
- Plus key dates and astronomical events
Temperatures
For simplicity, I will continue to use Baltimore’s BWI data since it is central to our Mid Atlantic region (at least where I cover).
Monthly Departure From Average/Normal
December:
+6.9ºF
January:
–2.0ºF
February:
+3.4ºF
Seasonal Snow (So Far)
Baltimore’s Numbers
There was such promise in January with multiple events and ending the month above average for the season. But that has been dashed with a paltry 0.7″ of snow in all of February.
BWI Snow Total (to date) = 14″
It is likely we end the season below average. I remember I called for an average winter… and if BWI was 50 miles Southeast that would have worked out. But, I will compare my outlook with what verified in a follow up with my seasonal wrap up later in March.
It is important to note that we can still get a few inches of snow in March. But it will take something exceptional like that Superstorm of 1993 to bring many spots back up to near or above normal.
Seasonal Snow Map From NOHRSC Data
(National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center)
- Usually we would expect more snow west of the Chesapeake Bay with less by the water and on Delmarva. This season the winner has been Delmarva seeing 12 to 24 inches of snow, which is what wool be expected on the western shore.
- Less snow inland between the Maryland Piedmont and south central Pennsylvania. This is about 1/2 to 1/3 average.
- The other big winner has been along the Virginia Piedmont where snow totals have been near or above normal.
- Far western Maryland and West Virginia: Even the 36” to 40”+ areas are about 1/2 of a normal season.
Snow Report Animation
November 1 2021 to February 28 2022
Notable Winter Weather Events:
These are based on dates I have had to write snow and ice reports for my clients. It was pretty active, even if most events were minor, or didn’t affect the entire region.
- Dec 27
- Jan 3
- Jan 7
- Jan 9
- Jan 16
- Jan 20
- Jan 29
- Feb 4
- Feb 6
- Feb 24
- Feb 25
Beware the Ides March
The long range weather is not in the scope of this post. I will cover that separately. However there is potential for one more push of arctic air mid month. March is known for weather surprises, so I would never count out what it may bring… But the first 10 days will be more like Pre-Spring.
March Outlook And Sky Notes
Temperature Trend (For Baltimore)
We increase our daily high by 10ºF. But look at the extremes:
Coldest: 4ºF on March 4 in 2014
Hottest: 90ºF on March 29 in 1945
3 years earlier in 1942 RECORD SNOW =21.9″
There is literally no rhyme, reason, or pattern for what we can expect in March. It is a true WildCard!
Daylight Highlights
- March 3: First Sunset AFTER 6 PM
- March 13: Daylight Saving Time AND First sunset AFTER 7 PM
Daylight Change:
Between March 1 and 31st:
1 Hour 17 minutes and 10 seconds
Average Increase Per Day 2 min 34 sec
Warming Temperatures
Sun Angles
Comparing the Mid Day Sun
11.8º HIGHER IN THE SKY By the end of March
MARCH 1 3-D
MARCH 31 3-D
Vernal Equinox:
March 20 at 11:33 AM EDT
Fastest Daylight Change Each Day
+2 min 35 sec/day
Full Moon:
March 18 = Worm Moon
Planetary Sky Show:
Morning Planet Conjunction: Venus, Mars, Saturn
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ALSO SEE
What is Faith in the Flakes: History of December 5th Snow
ALL FITF GEAR
FITF THUNDERSNOW
Winter Outlook Series:
Last Winter Recap: My Old Outlook And Your Grades Of My Storm Forecasts
Winter Weather Page – Lots of resources
Solar Cycle Increasing Sunspots Suggests More Snow
Comparing 4 Different Farmer’s Almanacs: Majority colder winter outlook than NOAA
NOAA Winter Outlook- But Read The Fine Print
Signals For Early Start To Winter In November
Winter Outlook Series: La Nina Double Dip
Nor’easters May Give Hint For Winter La Nina Pattern
Winter Folklore Checklist
Please share your thoughts, best weather pics/video, or just keep in touch via social media
Facebook: Justin Berk, Meteorologist
Twitter: @JustinWeather
Instagram: justinweather
*Disclaimer due to frequent questions:
I am aware there are some spelling and grammar typos. I have made a few public statements over the years, but if you are new here you may have missed it:
I have dyslexia, and found out at my second year at Cornell. I didn’t stop me from getting my meteorology degree, and being first to get the AMS CBM in the Baltimore/Washington region.
I do miss my mistakes in my own proofreading. The autocorrect spell check on my computer sometimes does an injustice to make it worse.
All of the maps and information are accurate. The ‘wordy’ stuff can get sticky.
There is no editor that can check my work when I need it and have it ready to send out in a newsworthy timeline.
I accept this and perhaps proves what you read is really from me…
It’s part of my charm.
#FITF
