I've been reading and hearing that this winter will be warmer than originally predicted up here in New Hampshire and the northeast in general. I'm loving that news!!
The Farmer's Almanac had predicted a slighter colder and snowier winter for us up in this corner of the country, but now several other sources, in particular the NOAA, are now saying that's not looking like it will come to be.
The NOAA is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, US government forecasters.
~ this picture was taken 1-6-2007 during some incredibly warm winter weather!
Predictions from NOAA are that most of the country will be somewhat warmer this coming winter. New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont are expected to have temperatures above-normal from October to December, and from November through January, the entire Northeast is expected to have above-normal temperatures.
This is great news for those who aren't especially fond of colder temperatures, and for those who use oil for their heating fuel. Projections I've been reading are showing that the price of heating oil is expected to jump in the Northeast by 28-29 cents more than last year. This is a mixed bag of news for those of us living in the Northeast, which is the world's largest heating oil market. Our winter should be warmer, for the most part, and yet heating oil prices should be higher. That part is the bummer part.
I locked in my heating oil price for this coming winter as a safe-guard, as I'm sure millions of others have as well. Hopefully that was a smart thing to do this year.
What's causing the warmer-than-normal temperature predictions? La Nina is expected to be weaker than normal in cooling the temperatures of the equatorial Pacific Ocean. And this has wide-reaching effects all across the country.
A slightly warmer winter up here isn't necessarily a great thing for everyone, though. Major areas in the New England states derive their incomes from winter and snow related businesses - ski resorts, ski equipment businesses, snow plowing, etc. So, even though many of us revel in warmer winter weather, many don't.
So, whatever our weather is each year, it's a mixed blessing for sure!
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Ann Cummings
RE/MAX Coast to Coast
Portsmouth NH
888-349-5678 x 3839
Servicing the Coastal Areas of NH & Southern Maine
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Ann, I can't wait to hear back in April from you if it really was a warmer winter or not. I get a kick out of the predictions.
Ann, you just brought back to mind a memory of the giant oil tankers delivering oil in the middle of winter to the 42 apartment building I lived in as a youngster in NY. My dad was the superintendent. I remember going down to the "boiler room" in the basement and watching the flames as they roared. And to think my mom actually learned how to run all that machinery. Now, I hate it when I have to throw a switch to have our electric heat turn on =) It smells. lol Glad your winter will be milder than usual!
Hi Ann, I'm loving this warm weather in PA! Our ski resorts will hurt also, but I'm not a winter skier who would be upset with warm weather! Still maybe with a little forewarning these business' could prepare for a warm winter and think of creative ways to work with nature.
That's great news but not good news for ski country. We haven't locked in oil prices as in the past coupl eof years with installing new windows and a new furnace we haven't used the 500 gal minimum.
What is UP with the weather? We are due to get SNOW on Monday. Ugh. But it is 80 degress today. Go figure...
Ann, I hope so, it is 88 today in Michigan in October. Our leaves have barely started to turn which is also unusual. I still have my AC on.
Ann... winter? let's get through the fall first. ;o) Seriously though, it's warm now and was actually cool the end of summer. The weather is not consistent any more. I love the winter when it snows hard and often. At least one big dumping of about 2 feet would keep me happy. ;o)
Steve - I'm wondering how accurate these predictions are myself. Last winter, we had some amazingly warm weather, and that's when I took that picture of one of our bank temperature signs.
Maggie - if your mom learned how to handle all that machinery, she must have been an amazing lady. That stuff scares me, as do a lot of the furnaces I see in some of the homes up here.
Diane - we've been having some really warm weather here, too, for this time of year. The last few days have been in the 80's, and normally we're in the high 60's maybe low 70's. I'm not a skier either, so personally I don't mind the milder weather, but I know a lot of people who depend on snow and cold weather during our winters.
Thanks for reading and for commenting!!
Ann
Hi Jay - yep, not great for the northern areas where they do depend on snow and cold weather. Most of the ski areas can make their own snow, but they need cold weather to do that, or at least to have it stick around for the skiers.
My house is pretty efficient, both in the winter and summer - I have plaster walls and they retain the heat very well, and keep it really nice and cool in the summers, too.
Do you use a woodstove? For some reason, I think I remember Monika mentioning that, I think.....
Ann
Hey Mariana - we sure have been having some unusual weather all around the country this year, haven't we? Really weird for you having 80 degree temps and to have them talk about snow at the same time!
Hi Missy - I guess we're all having some unusual weather with temps like that. 80's here for the last few days, although it's supposed to cool down tonight, with the breezes coming off the ocean instead of out of the south like they had been for a few days lately. Our leaves here have barely begun turning, although we have a few trees here and there, and then a branch or two within some trees, but still about 98% green everywhere you look. I've had my AC on in my car for days now.
Many thanks for the comments!!
Ann
Hi Jeff - I'm not rushing the seasons, not at all!! We had some fairly cool weather late summer, too, but pretty warm weather lately. It seems the weather all over the place has been a bit odd, and it makes you wonder how they can actually predict what may happen months from now. But so far, they've been right with their prediction of warmer temps in October.
Once in awhile, I like a hard snowstorm like you mentioned - a chance to stay home from work and not feel guilty. Almost like the snow days in school!
Thanks for reading!
Ann
Ann, no woodstove. That's a lot of work you know. LOL
Ann,
I don't mind a little cold weather but you should be happy that it is that warm now because another few weeks and you might be looking at that other photo:) Seriously...it is still very warm here today...but I bet the snow will be a nicer view.
Ann-I like your attitude...whatever it is...enjoy it! I only like to visit snow. I love Florida weather. Even the afternoon rains in the summer. I say make the best of it .........
Jay - alot of work for sure, of course that's only hearsay as I have no woodstove or ever have. I do have a fireplace, but have never used it!
Neal - nah, another few weeks and we'll still be looking at decent weather. Many years, it's well after Christmas before we see our first snow. Contrary to popular belief, most of our Christmas' up here in my area are not white at all, and sometimes not even below freezing. Being right here on the coast, our winters are usually quite moderate, somewhat different than even just 30-45 minutes inland.
Not knowing what your views are down there where you are, I'd bet my views here are nicer all year long! Even though I'm from Florida, I still much prefer what I have up here for views. I have a hard time with the kind of heat and humidity down there that you all have. Maybe when I'm MUCH older.... ;-)
Thanks for commenting!!
Ann
Hey Midori - enjoying whatever comes our way is the best way to think. I even like rainy days, but not too many in a row though.
I'll let you have Florida weather and I'll keep my weather up here. As I mentioned in my comment to Neal, even though I'm originally from Florida and have a lot of family in the Central Florida area, I just really can't take that heat and humidity except for my visits down there seveal times a year.
You could always come up here for a visit when we have some snow.....
Ann
Monika - I'm guessing that was you and you just weren't signed in.....that was weird weather for a January, wasn't it? I think we had a couple of really warm days then. That was a nice treat back then!
Ann
Ann- WOW! I can not even imagine all that oil being used for heating. Well, I just learned that you used to live in Florida. And I just learned that you love the weather up there. We have people who move here to get away from snow. I have lived in many places, all over the world and I do miss the seasons- just not driving in the snow. Now, If I could just stay in my house all winter or walk places then I would be fine. Katerina
Ann - So who do you believe will be correct? My dad was just telling me yesterday he thought we were in for a rough winter. I hope he is wrong and we have a milder than average winter with snow only on the Holidays!
Katerina - I guess the Northeast uses predominantly oil for all of our heating, but who knew that that would make us the largest end user area in the world?? Yes, I am from Florida originally, and I have a lot of family all over central Florida. I know there are plenty of snowbirds who head south for the winter. The town where I'm from swells a bit during the winter months because of that, and then come tax time, they all flock back home! Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Paula - I wish I knew! The Old Farmer's Almanac has ben the mainstay up here for many years, but they've been wrong a number of times, too. And NOAA, well they have all the latest greatest technology to predict with, but I often wonder just what they see that they can make predictions for months out. I'm hoping your dad is wrong, too!! Here in my area long the coast, we rarely have snow on the ground on the holidays. Once in awhile we get lucky and have a little bit for Christmas, but I'm always in Florida for Christmas, so I don't get to see that except in pictures.
Thanks for the comments!!
Ann
Ann,
This pattern has the Southeast locked in a drought. It was 93 degrees today here in NC - odd weather for sure.
Hi Rita - It seems like the whole country has been having odd weather all over the place this year. We'd had no rain for some time, and then we got a couple of days of rain the last 2 days, with more to come later this week. I hope you get some soon as well.
Thanks for reading!
Ann
Ann - I am doing the HAPPY DANCE with your news!!! I am SO hoping those predictions are correct. Though our entire family loves to ski and I'm sure the little snowboarder in the family will be seriously bummed if this does turn to be accurate, I will be one very happy camper. I've been cold all day and the temps have only dipped to 60! It must be from living in the south all those years.
I figure I can't lose. If it's cold I have 3 fireplaces and lot's of wood and love to ski (keeps me warm skiing too!) but if it's warm I'll be even happier! Thanks for sharing.
Jackie
Hi Jackie - I'll be doing the "Happy Dance" right along with you! I was so happy to hear those predictions - I hate paying the prices we do for heat up here, but I also love the change of season to winter. It means spring is on its way!
I must say I was a bit chilled yesterday, too. It was rainy and dreary here, so I know what helped make me feel a little cold.
Thanks for reading!
Ann
well, it should be dipping into the high 80's this weekend with reduced humidity. i suppose i can suffer through it.
those red sox fans sure looked chilly bt the late innings last night (had the air on).
Hi Jay - yep, it was just a tad chilly last night for that game. It was really windy, too, which didn't help the temps.
The reduced humidity must be nice, with temps in the high 80's ...... hope that's not too much for you to 'suffer' with!!! ;-)
Ann