Why Winter Weather Temperature Changes Between Cold and Warm
Many Michiganders, and some non-Michiganders, know that Michigan winter weather fluctuates a lot. Within the last few weeks we experienced a mix of temperatures in the 30’s and high 50’s. This week, and within the next few weeks, we are expected to see cold temps and snow.
Since we won’t see spring for a couple of weeks, many of us wonder why we’ve experienced weirdly warm weather within the last few weeks.
Before you dismiss this winter weather as being out of whack, be aware that the fluctuation in temperatures is entirely normal. It’s rare to sustain a spell of either very cold or warm weather over an entire winter season. In fact, it would be unusual if we didn’t see a drastic change in the weather during the winter season at all.
The warm weather that we’ve seen this winter is a result of the jet stream. Think of the jet stream as a “river of air” in the uppermost levels of the atmosphere that move weather systems around. The jet stream dictates temperature based on their orientation, location, and strength.
During January’s bitter temps, a large ridge of high pressure from the West Coast pushed the jet stream far to the north, which caused air to come down from northern Canada. Eventually, that zone of high pressure broke so instead of constant cold weather, the Eastern U.S. is receiving occasional blasts of cold temps that last a day or two. This is where our cold air comes from.
We’ve recently experienced spurts of warm weather because a new ridge of high pressure has developed, this time over the East Coast, allowing unusually mild to warm air to flow from the Deep South. The air that is flowing from the north is what’s causing warm temperatures in places that normally feel like the arctic.
What will March bring?
In past years, we’ve seen snow in March and many of us Michiganders aren’t surprised by this. However, by March we’re ready for spring to arrive. Beware of March though. It has a reputation of being very fickle when it comes to winter weather. It’s a possibility that we will get dumped with a few snowfalls and see warmer temperatures this month so don’t be surprised if you have to break out your snow blowers one week and then store then away the next.
You May Also Enjoy These Articles:
Snow Mold and Frozen Lawn Damage
6 Snow Blower Maintenance Tips
Everyone Needs a Snow Blowers: 8 Tips For Michiganders
Why Weingartz?
Weingartz, family owned and operated, began in 1945 as a farm supply store for local Michigan families. In the 1970s, we began to focus exclusively on outdoor power equipment. Over time, we morphed into the “power equipment superstore” that now defines all of our locations. The staff and experts at Weingartz work diligently to provide the best service possible and give honest and helpful advice to each and every customer.
Weingartz also sells parts for all outdoor power equipment at https://weingartz.com/parts-lookup.
Weingartz
6585 Dixie Hwy.
Clarkston, MI 48346
(248) 620-5258
info@weingartz.com
Connect With Us!
https://plus.google.com/+weingartz
https://www.facebook.com/WeingartzLawnToSnow
https://www.twitter.com/Weingartz
http://pinterest.com/MrWeingartz
https://www.youtube.com/user/WeingartzLawnToSnow
Learn More About Brand Specific Snow Blowers
Sign up for our electronic monthly newsletter for discounts and money-saving tips.
