Temperatures Taking Another Dive

It has been quite the winter here in the Quad Cities --- below average temperatures and above average snowfall.  We managed to reach 40°+ three times within the last week, and now it could be a while before we see any temperatures above freezing.

Wednesday morning's below zero temperature will be the 30th day since December 1st that we have had a temperatures dip below 0°.  An average winter in the Quad Cities will see 11 days below zero!  The record for most days below zero in a single winter goes to 1977-1978 with 43 days below zero.

For warmer thoughts, let's talk about some positives.  Day-to-day we are adding a few minutes of sunlight.  March 1st (6days from now) begins "Meteorological Spring," and actual spring is just a little over 23 days away.  Lastly, Daylight Saving Time begins in just 2 weeks, which means an extra of sunlight and an extra hour of sleep!

As you can see from the 7 day forecast, the first day of Meteorological Spring will be anything but springlike.  In fact, I don't see any signs of a huge pattern change over the next two weeks or so.  Climate Prediction Center has the area well below normal for days 8 through 14.  Cue the "sighs."