Winter forecast for Ann Arbor: above average snowfall and bitter cold
The Ann Arbor area can look forward to many days like this.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
Bitter cold, buckets of snow and a spring that’s slow to arrive. That’s the forecast for Ann Arbor and Southeast Michigan this winter, according to AccuWeather.com.
The Great Lakes and Upper Midwest will take the worst of winter’s fury, with Chicago and Minneapolis getting hit the hardest.
"People in Chicago are going to want to move after this winter,” AccuWeather.com long-range meteorologist Josh Nagelberg said.
But things don’t look that much better for Ann Arbor, said Jack Boston, a senior meteorologist.
"I believe that you guys are going to get hit pretty hard in southeast Lower Michigan as well," Boston said.
Boston expects the average temperature in December and January to be 3 to 4 degrees below the normal average. In Ann Arbor, the average high for December is 35 and the average low is 20. In January, the averages are 31 and 15.
Alberta clipper storms, which move down from Canada, likely will drop 3 to 6 inches of snow on the area several times. Blasts of cold air are likely to follow, bringing days with high temperatures in the teens and possibly dangerous wind-chills.
Conditions will warm slightly in February with temperatures near the average high of 34 and low of 16, but a couple of larger storms dumping 8 to 12 inches of snow on the Ann Arbor area are likely, Boston said.
In an average winter, Ann Arbor usually totals 52 inches of snow. This year, expect 60 to 70 inches, Boston said. Snowfall in Ann Arbor was above average last year as well.
The cause for all this misery: the climate pattern known as La Nina. The phenomenon is caused by unusually cold waters off the western coast of South America.
If all this is not bad enough, the spring forecast is not much better. Remember this spring with its rain and lingering cold? We can look forward to much the same in 2012, Boston said.
For current conditions and weather forecasts anytime, check AnnArbor.com's weather page.
Comments
Ross
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 1:44 p.m.
HA! HAhahaha, what a bunch of clowns we have as "expert" forecasters. The computer models STILL only predict a maximum of 3-4 days in advance with any certainty.
Ann English
Sat, Oct 8, 2011 : 12:41 a.m.
No, I don't remember last spring with its rain and cold. But I do remember that unusually snowy February we had, following a January with less snow than usual.
javajolt1
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 10:29 p.m.
Wow. This is true clairvoyance! Can you please find out what next week's Lotto numbers will be? Thanks!
julieswhimsies
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 9:04 p.m.
So. It's going to be cold, and snow is expected. I can't believe I'm replying to this. I must be bored out of my mind.
julieswhimsies
Sat, Oct 8, 2011 : 3:39 a.m.
You are so welcome, Stephen.
Stephen Landes
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 11:43 p.m.
Thank you for the chuckle!
C. S. Gass
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 4:20 p.m.
What a farce. Long range forecast, climate change, even the weatherman on your local news, balderdash the lot of it. They don't know, they're at best guessing, at worst lying for power and influence. Beware those who try to scare you. They always have an agenda.
Suzi
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 4:16 p.m.
"Rise and shine, campers, and don't forget your booties 'cause it's cooooold out there today!"
Adam Jaskiewicz
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 3:25 p.m.
Bring it, Mother Nature. I'm looking forward to winter.
A2K
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 3:25 p.m.
Insulated boots...check! knee-length down coat...check! snowblower...check! good attitude about living in a state with 4 beautiful seasons...check! Now what was the problem?
Sarcastic1
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 3:24 p.m.
What that really means is that we will have the warmest winter on record.
jns131
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 2:26 p.m.
Going with my Almanac. Cold with not so much snow and above normal temperatures. My book says mixed and February and March being the brunt of it but other then that? I can handle slush.
Rork Kuick
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 1:10 p.m.
"average temperature in December and January to be 3 to 4 degrees below the normal average" Reader has to guess what "normal average" means. Stop saying "normal" when that's not what you mean. How hard can it be?
Joe Zurawski
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 12:45 p.m.
Channel 7 had a similar long range forecast a couple of days ago. As I recall they said November and December would be an average 5 - 10 degrees colder than normal with January and February near normal and a total of 65" snow for the winter.
a2phiggy
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 12:28 p.m.
Dear City of Ann Arbor: You have been notified: it will snow. We need snow plows. We need snow plow drivers. Thank you.
lindsay erin
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 1:15 p.m.
THANK YOU. Hopefully they will take this prediction and prepare for another cold, long, and snowy winter! Make my commute to work a TAD bit easier, yeah?
Buster W.
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 12:26 p.m.
After three years of nightmarish 46-mile winter commutes into Detroit, I'm just glad I'm now commuting 13 miles to work into Ann Arbor. So bring it!
transplant
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 12:25 p.m.
Love it - it was raining the other morning although the chance of rain was 0%. How far away is February?
Wolf's Bane
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 12:23 p.m.
Pleeaassseeeeeeeeee, how about some real news? Predictions are just that, predictions. Given the current weather patterns (or lack thereof) this story is really sad.
djm12652
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 6:37 p.m.
I think it's gonna snow this winter and I'm going to have to wear a winter coat, oh and the new year will start around January 1st or so...maybe?
rusty shackelford
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 12:03 p.m.
To those who want to make an innocuous story some sort of "anti warming" evidence, colder snowier winters are in fact proof FOR global warming and the reason is simple: as more hot air congregates at the poles due to increasing global temperatures, it displaces cold arctic air south toward us, resulting in more bitter winters. Global warming does not mean it is literally hotter everywhere all the time--and there is no legitimate debate as to it's veracity. C'mon people.
G. Orwell
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 1:30 p.m.
Where is the evidence? Or, are you just repeating what you have been told. When it is hot, it is global warming. When it is cold, it is global warming. You can't lose. Just about all the predictions made by lord Gore has not come true. Go ahead, pay him and Goldman Sach carbon taxes for the right to breath. Be my guest.
applehazar
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 11:41 a.m.
I am sooo worried - Forcasting is the only job (other than politicians) that you cna be wrong 100% of the time and still get a paycheck ! :)
TinyArtist
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 11:02 a.m.
I really must protest!
jns131
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 2:28 p.m.
The lady or man, doustist protest.....
rob
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 6:45 a.m.
City Council should pass a resolution declaring snow to be art. Then they can skip plowing altogether, just so everybody can enjoy the art.
Kara Marie
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 5:50 a.m.
I vote we skip winter this year.
McDrew
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 8:39 p.m.
srsly
jns131
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 2:28 p.m.
After 42 days of 90's....I think we ought to reconsider bringing winter on.
canadafua2
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 4:39 a.m.
Its not like the WCRC will do any thing when it snows anyways. we should all get chain for our tires and rock them for the winter the roads are already shi*t in WC so what will a little chain do to the road! Here we GO!
ChrisW
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 4:26 a.m.
I really wish someone would go back and see how accurate these kinds of reports have been in the past. Somewhere I think there's a dartboard with "colder", "warmer", and "normal" written on it and a meteorologist with a single dart.
Ron Granger
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 1:49 a.m.
That settles it. The Dreiseitl sculpture will be bolted to a truck and will plow snow. I call dibs on first drive!
djm12652
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 7:45 p.m.
OMG...I thought that already was a snow plow blade waiting to be sprayed with rustoleum...
Atlas Shrugged
Wed, Oct 5, 2011 : 11:53 p.m.
Yippee. Global warming or other skeptic on not, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. Covers the dirt on the roads, hopefully makes every driver slow down, gives us all a chance to slow down and reflect on the beauty of nature. Not to mention the fact that bad driving conditions make some of think twice about whether to drive at all, or just stay home, keep warm, and maybe take a well-deserved nap. I know, this sounds sappy, but I love snow! Bring it on!
Joe Zurawski
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 12:50 p.m.
Snow not only covers the dirt but it also fills the potholes!
Greggy_D
Wed, Oct 5, 2011 : 11:29 p.m.
Geez....we hear this EVERY year!!!!
G. Orwell
Wed, Oct 5, 2011 : 11:14 p.m.
@DBlaine, That's funny, because Phil Jones, who is responsible for measuring global temperature used by the UN IPCC, admits global temperature has been falling since the mid 1990's. He was caught "hiding the decline" in global temperatures exposed in "climategate" in 2009. <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250872/Climategate-U-turn-Astonishment-scientist-centre-global-warming-email-row-admits-data-organised.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250872/Climategate-U-turn-Astonishment-scientist-centre-global-warming-email-row-admits-data-organised.html</a>
G. Orwell
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 10:47 p.m.
All the people that believe in AGW and want to give your money to Al Gore so he can buy another mansion and women, be my guest. It is amazing how guidable people are. So many scams throughout history and people keep falling for them. No wonder this country is bankrupt with our children getting stuck with the bill. Did I tell you there is a used bridge on stadium for sale. Fix it up and it will be as good as new.
DBlaine
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 9:48 p.m.
Fossil fuel subsidies cost governments and taxpayers trillions! So says the IEA: "Governments and taxpayers spent about half a trillion dollars last year supporting the production and consumption of fossil fuels," the energy watchdog to 28 industrialized countries said. <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/04/us-iea-idUSTRE7931CF20111004" rel='nofollow'>http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/04/us-iea-idUSTRE7931CF20111004</a>
DBlaine
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 9:46 p.m.
I provided the names of scientists who agree on man-made climate change, showing you can lead a horse to water .... The connection between CO2 and climate change, and question of whether our era's increasing global temperatures is man-made or natural, have all been studied. Many times. By many different scientists. By many different scientists across the globe. So what do reputable scientists say? Well, the professional oragnizations of scientists from around the world -- who have no allegiance to each other, who have no backs to scratch -- say the climate is warming, and it is man made. I've provided this link before, but here it is. It's a pretty clear statement. And incredible. On what other subject would people from Brazil, the U.S., China, Germany, etc. agree on? <a href="http://www.nationalacademies.org/onpi/06072005.pdf" rel='nofollow'>http://www.nationalacademies.org/onpi/06072005.pdf</a> And I have to laugh when you say you don't want subsidies to clean energy technologies. LOL! Fossil fuel is incredibly subsidized, and we pay for the externalities too!
G. Orwell
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 9:23 p.m.
DBlaine, I never said climate change is not occurring. Climate has changed ever since it existed. Climate changes and climate is cyclical. I don't think anyone would disagree with that. Thus, global warming is also a part of the climate change that has been going on for billions of years. Why is that so hard to believe? Can the recent warming and cooling be a natural part of climate change? I would support all the work to make our environment better. Just keep the carbon tax and cap-n-trade out of it. Also, no or minimal government funding for alternative energy (this is a form of stealing from the public by funding insider business schemes). Only reason why humans are being blamed is to make us feel guilty so that we will willingly pay the carbon taxes that will be pocketed by those running the scam.
DBlaine
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 8:44 p.m.
@G. Orwell, You said, "Just provide me the names of scientists that still support man-made global warming. If you do, I will believe you. Just list the names. I did." Is this really a serious question? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Dude, or whatever you are, just read the scientific studies! Every day real live scientists are reporting on the changes in the ecosystem and the link to climate change! Okay, I'll play. Here are some recent studies, with NAMES! This took me two minutes to find. If you want names, you're not looking hard enough! <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919101919.htm" rel='nofollow'>http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919101919.htm</a> New Technologies Could Reduce Cost of Climate Protection 1.Matthias Kalkuhl, Ottmar Edenhofer, Kai Lessmann. Learning or lock-in: Optimal technology policies to support mitigation. Resource and Energy Economics, 2012; 34 (1): 1 DOI: 10.1016/j.reseneeco.2011.08.001 <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919093854.htm" rel='nofollow'>http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919093854.htm</a> Minimizing Extinctions in a Changing Climate 1.Brendan A. Wintle, Sarah A. Bekessy, David A. Keith, Brian W. van Wilgen, Mar Cabeza, Boris Schröder, Silvia B. Carvalho, Alessandra Falcucci, Luigi Maiorano, Tracey J. Regan, Carlo Rondinini, Luigi Boitani, Hugh P. Possingham. Ecological–economic optimization of biodiversity conservation under climate change. Nature Climate Change, 2011; DOI: 10.1038/nclimate1227 Climate Change Alters Availability of Fish in Britain <a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982211008918" rel='nofollow'>http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982211008918</a> Stephen D. Simpson, Simon Jennings, Mark P. Johnson, Julia L. Blanchard, Pieter-Jan Schön, David W. Sims, Martin J. Genner
ddd3
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 8:18 p.m.
I strongly encourage all of you to read the following webpage... <a href="http://www.skepticalscience.com/" rel='nofollow'>http://www.skepticalscience.com/</a> In my opinion, it represents the best response to all the climate misinformation out there. Pick or search for any of these claims made by G. Orwell or MRunner and see what the science really says.
DonBee
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 8:06 p.m.
According to Insurance Institute data more red cars are ticketed for speeding than any other color. According to manufacturer data, red cars are not the majority of the cars sold. Therefore - if you want a fast car, you should buy a red one. Any other color is slower.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 7:29 p.m.
1) Your so-called "understanding" relies on a single unreliable source. The source (messenger) is important whether you want to believe it or not. After all, your "source" simply attacks a source it does not like, and you take that attack of a source to be hands-down proof that global warming is not happening. 2) Don't like my admittedly snarky critique of your source? The go to Russ Miller's links above which make clear that the Mail has removed specific statements from the context in which they were made. THAT is the problem with your source. 3) No point "debating" anyone who can seriously believe that they can understand, much less deconstruct, a huge body of scientific work in 30 minutes. GN&GL
G. Orwell
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 7:03 p.m.
@Edward, Again Edward, why don't you debate me on the issue rather than attacking the messenger?
G. Orwell
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 6:20 p.m.
That is right, 30 minutes. Because, it was obvious Al Gore's CO2/temperature hockey stick graph was a fraud. First, it has no timeline at the bottom to show whether the CO2 leads global temperature or the other way around. The Vostok and other ice core samples clearly show temperature levels LEADING CO2 levels. That is why Al Gore purposely left out the timeline and states that there is clearly a correlation between the two. I guess I got lucky and found informative and scientific websites.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 5:40 p.m.
" I briefly did believe in man-made global warming. Until I researched it. It took me about 30 minutes to realize it was a fraud. " Wow. Quite amazing. Took you only 30 minutes to decide that an entire body of scientific work was fraudulent? Must be a speed reader. GN&GL
G. Orwell
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 5:04 p.m.
@DBlaine again, You really need to look at both sides of this debate. You've only been looking at the warmist side. I briefly did believe in man-made global warming. Until I researched it. It took me about 30 minutes to realize it was a fraud. For your information, Rex Tillerson, Exxon Mobile CEO supports man-made global warming and wants carbon taxes. LOOK IT UP! Also, George Bush supported man-made global warming. He supported carbon taxes and cap-n-trade. Those at the top want to such you dry of your money and you are willingly playing along. Again, be my guest. Give them money for breathing. I think it should be free. I support conservation and renewable energies. Just to take my money for breathing.
G. Orwell
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 4:59 p.m.
@DBlaine, "That petition is a total fraud. Most people didn't know what they were signing. It was a deliberate attempt to mislead. The only requirement to sign is to have a bachelor's degree in some scientific field." You make these claims without any evidence. If your claim is right, why wouldn't the 31,487 scientist on the Petition Project sue or demand that their names be taken off? It has been a few years and the number of scientists continue to go up. Also, on the list are 9,029 PhDs. Top that. You have your facts wrong. It is the UN IPCC where numerous scientists names were added without their permission. Furthermore,there was never 2,500 scientists in the committee and many of those scientists have since left the UN IPCC. Even the "2,500 scientist" were NOT made up of scientists. Some of them were bureaucrats and paper pusher. Just provide me the names of scientists that still support man-made global warming. If you do, I will believe you. Just list the names. I did.
MRunner73
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 4:29 p.m.
To DBlaine...I gave you a VERY credible web site: Icecap.net, please at least check it out. There are comparison line graphs of global temps vs CO2 concentrations and you will see huge differences. Global warming IS NOT man made. There is global urbanization and thus, a larger number of these poorly sited surface observation stations are within the confines of the very large metro areas. This too, biases the entire data base to warmer. Surface observation stations in rural areas are cooler. The Ann Arbor Municipal Airport location is a prime example of that. Know that the highest or hottest daily record highs occurred in the mid 1930s across many dozens of Midwestern cities. That is when there was much less CO2 and smaller urban areas, less concrete (roads, strip malls, etc). I rest my case.
DBlaine
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 3:11 p.m.
@G, That petition is a total fraud. Most people didn't know what they were signing. It was a deliberate attempt to mislead. The only requirement to sign is to have a bachelor's degree in some scientific field. Again, here's the joint statement by the scientific academies in 12 nations. <a href="http://www.nationalacademies.org/onpi/06072005.pdf" rel='nofollow'>http://www.nationalacademies.org/onpi/06072005.pdf</a> There are thousands of scientists who agree on this point. I find it absolutely insane that you accuse people who look at unbiased data with being in the pockets of corporate America. YOU are parotting the fossil fuel industry's line! Who do you think has more to gain by denial? People who do research and follow the data wherever it leads, or fossil fuel companies? We are through the looking glass people.
G. Orwell
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 1:46 p.m.
Let's get this straight. There is NO scientific evidence CO2 causes global warming. We've only been told that by those who stand to gain financially from carbon taxes and cap-n-trade. Cap-n-trade is already killing innocent villagers in Africa and South America. They are being machine gunned to death and forced out of their villages so companies can make money on cap-n-trade. CO2 is an essential gas and only makes up .0384% of our atmosphere and humans account for only 1/3 of that. Are you telling me that because of the .013% CO2 humans put out, it is going to destroy the earth. When CO2 levels is the past were many, many times higher and plants and animals thrived. Give me a break. Why not worry about the other .996% of the gases in our atmosphere? Second, there are no longer credible scientists who claim man-made global warming is occurring. On the other hand, over 31,000 scientists have signed a document denying man-made global warming. DBlaine, if you believe there are thousands of scientists that support man-made global warming, please, please name them. Name even 100 scientists. Here are my 31,487 scientists. <a href="http://www.petitionproject.org/" rel='nofollow'>http://www.petitionproject.org/</a> All those pushing man-made global warming are the biggest hypocrits on earth. They all own multiple mansions, cars, yatchs, planes, etc. Yet, they want us commoners to cut back on using hot water for showers and baths. That is rediculous. Here is Gore's lates mansion. No solar panels! <a href="http://blogs.babble.com/famecrawler/2010/05/13/al-gores-new-mansion-what-message-does-this-send-to-kids-about-global-warming/" rel='nofollow'>http://blogs.babble.com/famecrawler/2010/05/13/al-gores-new-mansion-what-message-does-this-send-to-kids-about-global-warming/</a> I cannot believe people are falling for this scam. What bunch of suckers we are. The ignorance of the masses is what is allowing the bankers and corporations, through politicians, to rape us over and over again.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 11:39 a.m.
@G Orwell: The source is the problem. If it were the National Enquirer, we'd all be laughing at the article. Well, except for you and the rest of the deniers. The Mail is the equivalent of the NE. If the BEST evidence you can find is in the NE, it speaks volumes about the lack of evidence that supports the climate change deniers. @CB's Ghost: Yes, one data point from a tattle tale gossip rag = truth. For the lemmings, that is. GN&GL
Russ Miller
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 4:28 a.m.
The problem with the Daily Mail and telegraph articles is that they badly distort the actual science messages. I would argue that the The Daily Mail cheery pick from the BBC interview to construct a completely opposite account of what Phil Jones actually said. Read the original BBC piece and decide for yourself: <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8511670.stm" rel='nofollow'>http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8511670.stm</a> The Telegraph _wildly_ extended the CERN publication results by quoting, not the Nature letter, but climate skeptic Lawrence Solomon's blog entry, as their primary source. You can read the letter: <a href="http://www.fc.ul.pt/mailings/infocienciasdigital/nature10343.pdf" rel='nofollow'>http://www.fc.ul.pt/mailings/infocienciasdigital/nature10343.pdf</a>
DBlaine
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 4:12 a.m.
G., your argument is right out of the fossil fuel-funded denialist playbook. First, say there isn't global warming. Then say, if there is, it's not caused by us. And then say, even if it were caused by us, it's no big deal. I'm waiting for the last piece of your argument. Your link above is to a column by a notorious denalist who is not credible. I'll take the reports of real scientists, who have gathered real data. Thousands of independent scientists -- whose work is reviewed by other independent scientists who have nothing to gain or lose by judging it -- have agreed that the earth is warming, and CO2 from human activity is to blame. It's not what we want to hear, of course. And it disrupts the interests of very powerful corporations that have the ability to sway our political system. Change is hard. All they have to do is confuse and plant enough doubt in the minds of people to make change impossible, and thereby preserve their bottom lines. Ever get the feeling you've been cheated? <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iix18rtJmU0" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iix18rtJmU0</a>
Charlie Brown's Ghost
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 3:46 a.m.
G., don't confuse 'em with facts. Just makes 'em bury their heads in the sand further. Good Night and Good Grief
G. Orwell
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 2:52 a.m.
@Edward, You like attacking the messager rather than debating the message. By attacking the Daily Mail, are you saying the reporter is lying about what Phil Jones said? If he did lie, I woudl think Phil Jones would file a lawsuit and the crazed global warming alarmists would be burning down the reporter's house and the corporate building that house the Daily Mail. No one complained about the article and not retractions were issued. Go ahead, keep attacking the messager to avoid debating the message. You will continue to lose credibility.
G. Orwell
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 2:39 a.m.
CERN - Sun causing global warming. If you do not get it, sun is like having a furnace in the center of a large room. The furnace warms up, the room warms up. The furnace cools, the room cools. Sun is not static. It fluctuates in output and it is cyclical as it rotates around its orbit. That explains why Mars and the other planets in our solar system are going through the same warming and cooling as the earth. It definitely isn't SUVs causing this. Get it. <a href="http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/jamesdelingpole/100102296/sun-causes-climate-change-shock/" rel='nofollow'>http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/jamesdelingpole/100102296/sun-causes-climate-change-shock/</a>
DBlaine
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 1:05 a.m.
Why do we know the planet is getting warmer? Because we can measure it. We can measure the change in temperature globally. We can see the change in the distribution of plants and animals as they react to warming temperatures. This is not something difficult to see. If you'd like the real data, it's easy to find. <a href="http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2011/20110112_globalstats.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2011/20110112_globalstats.html</a> According to NOAA scientists, 2010 tied with 2005 as the warmest year of the global surface temperature record, beginning in 1880. This was the 34th consecutive year with global temperatures above the 20th century average. For the contiguous United States alone, the 2010 average annual temperature was above normal, resulting in the 23rd warmest year on record. <a href="http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2011/20110908_auguststats.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2011/20110908_auguststats.html</a> U.S. experiences second warmest summer on record (2011) Texas has warmest summer on record of any state <a href="http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2011/20110915_globalstats.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2011/20110915_globalstats.html</a> Globe had eighth warmest August on record (2011) <a href="http://www.epa.gov/gateway/learn/climatechange.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.epa.gov/gateway/learn/climatechange.html</a>
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 1:03 a.m.
Yes, the Daily Mail, that icon of serious, substantive, investigative journalism. <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/ushome/index.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.dailymail.co.uk/ushome/index.html</a> Or maybe not. Good Night and Good Luck
jrigglem
Wed, Oct 5, 2011 : 10:41 p.m.
I'll remember this when it's still 70 degrees come December. If October were cold yet I might actually believe this but seeing as I'm still running around in tank tops and shorts I'll have to pass
jns131
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 2:29 p.m.
Suppose to hit 80 this weekend. Bring it on!!!
Cash
Wed, Oct 5, 2011 : 10:15 p.m.
Oh for heaven's sake. I've lived in Michigan for almost seven decades. These predictions are laughable. Just be happy in your life and do not worry about winter weather when it's 75 degrees on October 5th. Go out and enjoy it!
Cash
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 8:16 p.m.
Bertha, I'm getting my hoveround tuned up and getting the chains ready....see you at MIS for our Winter hoveround race!
Bertha Venation
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 4:23 p.m.
I'm with you, Cash. Time to tune up the snowblower and put chains on the ol' Hoveround. Bring it on, Baby!!
Cash
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 3 p.m.
spm, Heck yes!!! Enjoy winter too! But please try to find some that are Michigan made!! isn't there a company that still makes wooden ones in Mich? Seems like I read a piece about them. Enjoy life and don't waste a day of it!
spm
Wed, Oct 5, 2011 : 10:44 p.m.
Agreed. But I do plan to buy those x-country skis I've had my eyes on just in case. LOL
AfterDark
Wed, Oct 5, 2011 : 10:03 p.m.
The squirrels and woolly bear caterpillars I've seen disagree with this forecast.
DBlaine
Wed, Oct 5, 2011 : 10:03 p.m.
Global temperatures are NOT dropping, G.O. Use The Google. It is your friend. <a href="http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/" rel='nofollow'>http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/</a> The number of record "low" temperatures this year is vastly exclipsed by the number of record "lows." There may be cold weather -- even record breaking cold weather -- this winter, but you have to look at the data in totality. If you do, the conclusion is the world is warming, and we are responsible. Scientific associations across the world have concluded this. And yet....
Stephen Landes
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 11:36 p.m.
DBlaine -- would you please try writing this sentence again? I'm lost in the record "lows".... "The number of record "low" temperatures this year is vastly exclipsed by the number of record "lows." There may be cold weather -- even record breaking cold weather -- this winter, but you have to look at the data in totality."
MRunner73
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 12:25 p.m.
Here's a rude awakening...NCDC is the WRONG source. Many of the surface observation stations are poorly sited. This lends to a warm bias while many Arctic and sub acrtci site in Northern Canada are omitted. The is a recent article by an esteemed meteorologist Mr Anothony Watts posted in Icecap.net reaffirming this. So if you want to read about the OTHER side of the story, I invite you to check out this web site. If not not, let me concise: there is no global warming. Seasonal climate change is driven more by fluctuations in oceanic thermal profiles...El Nino and La Nina shifts and the underestimated Solar Flux changes as well. A ton of research funding is going to "Global Warming" insitutions including all major universities (like U of M), NCDC of NOAA and others. Even the AMS (American Meteorological Society) is pro Global Warming and refusing to put any alternative articles and research results in their publications. Once again, please refer to Icecap.net. There are highly reputable atmospheric scientists doing great research.
Charlie Brown's Ghost
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 12:11 p.m.
What is, "The Google?"
DonBee
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 2:16 a.m.
DBlaine - Please tell me - one effect of climate change is that the north pole ice is melting. Now riddle me this, why is the shrinkage of the north pole ice mirrored by the ice cap on Mars? According to US Government data the two ice caps are retreating at roughly the same rate. I agree we have climate change, I just don't know if I but the cause. But, I do believe we should do more to become a sustainable society.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 12:58 a.m.
Don't confuse 'em with facts. Just makes 'em bury their heads in the sand further. Good Night and Good Luck
G. Orwell
Wed, Oct 5, 2011 : 9:55 p.m.
So much for man-made global warming. The EVIL CO2 levels are still high but global temperatures are falling.
Macabre Sunset
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 7:52 p.m.
The cultists lost me when they started their work to try and eliminate the Medieval Warming Period. Essentially, they "proved" that all the anecdotal evidence from writings from that time were completely false. Just because it's getting warmer doesn't mean it's not part of natural climate change. And, assuming man has something to do with it, America's 300 million people are but a tiny blip next to the 2.5 billion in China and India who are emerging from third-world status.
djm12652
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 6:35 p.m.
EVIL CO2? I thought it was Dr. No...man, I must be a real dummy...wish I wuz as smart as everybody else posting...but then again I'd rather have a sense of humor... ;o) George!
G. Orwell
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 2:20 p.m.
Lindsay, Earth's climate has always changed. It is nothing new. We've had periods when the earth was much warmer than it is today. It was called the Medieval warming period. Those behind the scam changed it from"global warming" to "climate change" because they knew the earth was cooling. They knew they could not hide this fact too long. As you can tell, we have had very cold weather the past few years even though the CO2 levels have risen. We are now going through a cold cycle that will probably last a few years.
lindsay erin
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 1:04 p.m.
I think you should first consider the term "global climate change" before assuming you understand the concept of global warming. Please Google it and educate yourself.
Charlie Brown's Ghost
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 3:45 a.m.
G., don't you know? Colder temperatures are proof of global warming. As as are warmer temperatures, active hurricane seasons, inactive hurricane seasons, La Niña, El Niño, an increase of tornadoes, a decrease of tornadoes, earthquakes, forest fires, volcanoes, high crime rates, opposable thumbs, the popularity of boy-bands, and the drift of the magnetic poles.
Ross
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 3:13 a.m.
You are obviously not even trying to look at the facts. We have temperature sensors and weather stations all over the planet. On average, temperatures ARE going up. What are your sources? Right, you have none. Proving the link between man-made CO2 release and global climate change may be more difficult, but the fact that our planet IS warming and climate is getting more extreme is WELL PROVEN! Stop spreading this ridiculous propaganda, please. You are the problem.
MRunner73
Wed, Oct 5, 2011 : 9:54 p.m.
Seasonal outlooks are hit or miss. The consensus forecasts made last spring for this past summer was cooler than 2010 but a little warmer than 2008. It was equally as hot as 2010 except we had mnay more days at or above 90 degrees and the sixth most (ever) number of days at or above 95. Statistically, it would be very difficult to have a 4th consecutive cold and snowy winter. The snow totals the past four winter have been exceedingly high caused by the trajectories of the winter storm tracks. The open question is what will be driving the atmosphere this coming winter? A strong on shore jet coming across the Pacific Ocean would lend to a milder winter. Polar high pressure cells would remain further north. A polar low over Hudson Bay in Central Canada would help drive down the bitter cold airmasses into the Midwest, once again. The atmospheric response to winter does not usually set up until late November. Month to month continuity can change meaning a cold December does not always ensure a cold January of February. Stay tuned and expect the unexpected.
Macabre Sunset
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 7:49 p.m.
Yes, but La Nina is well documented. Gets more press out on the west coast, where it has a more direct effect, but it does translate into harsher weather here every time.
milanmadman
Wed, Oct 5, 2011 : 9:27 p.m.
Funny, they can't predict rain 24 hours in advance, but we are supposed to believe they know what's in store for this winter.....
Dave66
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : noon
Once again highlighting the confusion people have between "weather" and "climate."
dconkey
Wed, Oct 5, 2011 : 10:52 p.m.
Makes sense. I am in sales and I do not really know from day to day what I am going to sell, but I do have a good idea what I am going to from quarter to quarter.
Sally
Wed, Oct 5, 2011 : 9:24 p.m.
Did you really need to post this on a day as idyllic as this one?
jns131
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 2:32 p.m.
They want us to be as down trodden as they are. Enjoy the idyllic 80's this weekend. We will.
quetzalcoatl
Wed, Oct 5, 2011 : 9:22 p.m.
This is Obama's fault, of course.
Joe Zurawski
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 12:45 p.m.
That's funny - I heard Barry say "It's all Bush's fault".
G. Orwell
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 2:43 a.m.
I'll give Obama a pass on this one. He has screwed up enough as it is. Just as Bush screwed us over while he was in office. Bush just passed on the batton to Obama and Obama is continuing and expanding Bush/Cheney policies. Illegal wars and looting.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 : 12:56 a.m.
It will be all of their faults. Good Night and Good Luck
Joe Hood
Wed, Oct 5, 2011 : 10:42 p.m.
No, the mayor's fault.
dconkey
Wed, Oct 5, 2011 : 10:03 p.m.
No, this will be Rick Snyder's fault.