As we are halfway through the spring semester, and with the leaves beginning to decorate every lawn in the upper Midwest, comes a sore reminder that winter could be only a few short weeks away. It is around this time of year that you start to hear everyone around muttering about how they can feel that winter this year will be one of the worst that we have had or that the snow this year will rival some Christmas blizzard in years passed. Looking forward to winter, Grand Forks could actually be in store for a relatively mild winter, as most weather outlets are expecting.
With the climate pattern shifting to El Niño this year, that usually spells out a warmer and drier season for the northern states and a cooler, wetter season for the southern states. This does not necessarily mean that there will not be any snow for us but could lead to less snowfall over the course of the season. NOAA, or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, reports that there is an above-normal probability that precipitation will be low, and temperatures will be higher than average for the most winter-prone months of December, January, and February. They also report that come spring, there is an equal probability of either weather pattern emerging, but with these reports being updated continuously, there could be changes as we approach closer to the season.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac does predict that there is going to be seasonally colder and snowier weather to come, which does give some reason to worry in regard to harsh winter weather. In fact, the Almanac nearly predicts directly against NOAA for North Dakota. With conflicting predictions, it is usually the safest bet to prepare for the worst, especially in North Dakota. Even if weather patterns lean towards the warmer and drier, it will undoubtedly snow. So, if you have been putting off a new set of snow tires or bringing in a snowblower for service, now is the time to do so before spots at the shops in town fill up.
If the weather does prove to be on the mild side and precipitation is down, that could spell less flooding for Grand Forks come spring, which is always welcome in the town. Regardless of how much preparation you make for winter, it is always a good idea to slow down and take drives and walks slower than you normally would out of safety for yourself and others. The winter is already packed with accidents, so there is no reason to add yourself to that list by rushing around town.
Dylan Enerson is a Dakota Student General Reporter. He can be reached at [email protected].
