Janice Dean's [Not So Fair & Balanced] Weather Report

WINTER STORM IN THE ROCKIES: MAYBE THE GROUNDHOG IS ONTO SOMETHING!

Hi everyone!

Lots to cover today!

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning…so he predicts 6 more weeks of winter.   Some people argue that if, by winter he means more of what we’ve had so far across the Northeast, then I’m all for it!

However, across the West, winter has returned with a vengeance with a big winter storm hitting the Rockies and the plains.  We could see up to 2 feet of snow with 50 mph winds which means blizzard watches and warnings are up for many cities:

On the “warmer” side of the storm, severe storms could crop up across the southern Plains with large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes tonight through Friday:

So with Phil making his winter predictions, I decided to make my Superbowl predictions for Sunday on air with Jon and Jenna!  I’ll post the link a little later on, but here are my little “Giants” who will be rooting for the G-men on Sunday!

I know there’s a lot of Pats fans out there, so apologies if you are easily offended!  One thing is for sure, it’s going to be a fantastic game!

I’m off tomorrow to spend time with my little guys, but back on Monday (hopefully sporting a WINNING team Jersey!

JD

Spring in February?

Hi everyone!

Well, as you may have noticed, we are currently experiencing one of the warmest winters on record with spring like temperatures and a snow drought for many cities that are typically digging out this time of year.

The average temperature across the U.S. has been 3-4 degrees above normal for January, and last month we recorded the least amount of snow since 2006.

The main reason for this is the polar jet stream that brings down that arctic air has been parked way up north for much of the winter. 

And because it’s been so mild, we’ve experienced one of the most active severe weather seasons on record On the flip side, the storms across the south have brought quite a bit of rain and in turn, has helped with the severe to extreme drought over this region.

A look ahead over the next 14 days, colder air is expecting to push in, but the really cold arctic air will remain well to our north. 

Keep in mind as well that February can be a very cold and stormy month of the year, and we’re officially only half way through the winter so far!  (And as I mentioned yesterday, folks in Alaska are NOT as fortunate as the lower 48 states.  They are still dealing with EXTEME cold and mountains of snow this winter)

So if you like the warmer spring temperatures, I do hope you’re enjoying them!   We’ll have to see what the groundhog says about the next 6 weeks tomorrow!

Talk to you later!

JD

FEELS LIKE SPRING FOR MANY...BUT NOT FOR ALASKA!

Hi everyone!

Our last day of January, and boy has it been a tame winter so far for most of the country.  Look at these departures from average today!

This is not the case, however for our friends in Alaska who have been dealing with below average temperatures for much of the winter and record snow.  

We have quiet weather for the Florida primaries today:

And some good news for much of the South as we look at the drought…many states are seeing much improved conditions this winter with several storms bringing relief over extraordinarily dry land:

Are you guys enjoying this crazy winter so far?  February can be a brutal month for storms though, so I guess be careful what you wish for!

Have a great day, everyone!

JD

Can you tell who I'm rooting for?

This picture was taken back in 2007….(and they won!)

Might have to wear number “10″ again on air this year!

Go GIANTS! 

CUTE BREAK!

Severe storm target Texas

Good morning everyone.

Thanks for the kind birthday wishes for Matthew.  We had a great day yesterday.  Sean and I both took the day off to spend time with him.  It is truly amazing he’s 3 years old.  He’s growing up so fast.   My little Theodore is going to be turning one in a couple of weeks too!   He’s cruising around and close to walking these days.  They are both a joy to watch.  I’ll post a picture of them a little later on today.

In weather news,  we’ve got some strong storms moving across Texas and Louisiana.  Some of these cells could turn severe dropping large hail, damaging winds and some isolated tornadoes.

We have a tornado watch up right now for areas around Houston until 3pm local time:

And they need the rain desperately across Texas, however, too much of a good thing is causing some flooding:

This threat will move across the deep south tomorrow, and then the system pushes up into the Midatlantic and Northeast through Friday.

Be safe everyone!  I’ll post a “cute break”  a little later today!

JD

Terrible tornadoes across the South

Hi everyone.

A terrible night across the South.   24 reports of tornadoes in the last 24 hours across  Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi.

The National Weather Service says an EF2 caused extensive damage in Fordyce AR, with winds of up to 135 mph. 

As you can see, it is very rare to see  this many tornadoes in the month of January. We are way above average in terms of numbers and the strength of tornadoes we’ve seen this month. Still waiting on confirmation of the tornadoes that tore through Alabama this afternoon.Fortunately, the risk of severe weather has diminished this afternoon, and all the tornado watches have been lifted.

I’m off tomorrow to spend the day birthday boy.  I can’t believe Matthew is  three already.   Seems like yesterday I was taking him home from hospital.

Be safe everyone.  Talk to you Wednesday!

JD

HAPPY WEEKEND!

Happy Friday everyone!

What an awful situation across the Northwest.  First snow, then ice and now rain moving into the coast.   And there are several systems poised to move into the region over the next few days.  Flood, snow and avalanche advisories are in the forecast through the weekend. 

The winds across Reno Nevada haven’t helped firefighters battle the wildfire out there today.   There is some rain and snow in the forecast in the next 48 hours which should help contain things this weekend.

And a quick moving storm pushing across the Midwest, Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and Northeast will bring a wide swath of 1-6 inches of snow depending on where you live.  Chicago’s O’Hare is reporting over 4 hour delays this afternoon!

I’m excited to see the snow tomorrow, and the fact that it comes on a weekend is great news since it won’t affect those of us trying to get into work on time! (Unless of course you work weekends, in which case be careful travelling!!)

Have a great weekend everyone!  Send me some of your snow pics to @janicedeanfox

JD