SNOW OUTLOOK: Will we see 1"+ of snow at any point from now until March 2022? This article will feature my predictions for this winter, which were HIGHLY accurate for the 2022 winter season!
(Simple Explanation): I do expect a couple of winter weather makers during the 2022-2023 winter season. There is a theory that we could even have a wintry weather event as early as December, however, I would cut down that theory for now as I am expecting an above-average month in December for temperatures. For now, I don't see us having a huge snowstorm (like 2020), but it's not out of the question that we see a smaller-scale "few inches" type North Texas snowstorm this winter. (Detailed Explanation): February 2021 and February 2022 both brought North Texas nasty wintry weather events that will go down in history, especially the rolling blackouts from February 2021. February 2021 was a winter where some of North Texas saw over a FOOT of snow. February and March 2022 brought a couple of nasty ice events and still brought noticeable snow to North Texas, but not nearly as much as 2021. Crazy enough, we were in a La Nina pattern this past winter. And guess what? This winter is we are in a La Nina pattern AGAIN! What exactly is "La Nina" mean for North Texas? All that means is that the typical trend is above average temperatures and below average precipitation for the 3-month span. This doesn't necessarily mean snow cannot happen, as proven over the past couple of winters. But, does this mean we will see snow this winter? Well, the answer is complicated as snow long-term isn't easy to predict. Many factors can change the overall forecast. For example, in the 2021 winter, a huge dip in the jet stream caused North Texas to experience a record-breaking cooldown across the entire state of Texas. This cooldown caused widespread rolling blackouts and below-freezing temperatures in Texas. This forecast's "Chance of Snow" is for the probability of one inch or more of snow to fall during the 2022-2023 winter season. Nearly all of DFW is in the 40% region, while Northwestern North Texas ranges from 40-90% chances. Areas like Waco, College Station, and Palestine are in the <10% chance for snow greater than an inch. Another important aspect to this forecast, for Fort Worth specifically, is that out of the past 47 winters, 27 of them we've seen <1" of snow. That's almost 60% of the past 47 winters that we've not hit the threshold of 1"+ of snow. I do see this as a 40/60 winter for whether we see 1"+ or not in North Texas. So what does this forecast and prediction really mean? This does not mean 40% of North Texans will see snow if you live in DFW. This means you have a 4 in 10 chance of seeing 1"+ of snow this winter. Last winter, the metroplex was in a 30% chance, so this season is a slight uptick. An interesting statistic over the past 30 years in Fort Worth, TX, is that only 4 times have we seen 5"+ of snow in a given season. Out of those 4 times, we've seen 1"+ inches of snow the following winter. Those two instances were from 2009-2011, where 17.1" of snow fell in 2009-2010, and 4.3" of snow fell in 2010-2011's winter. Also, 2020-2022, we saw 5.0" in 2020-2021, while 2021-2022's season saw 1.7". Do I think we will see measurable snowfall in North Texas? For some of us, yes. I think Wichita Falls will see snow and areas to the north/west. Factually, Wichita Falls does average around 2.5-3.0" of snow per year. I don't see why they wouldn't get some snowfall this winter. On the other hand, Fort Worth, TX, surprisingly averages 1.2" of snow per year. Thanks to the several one-hit snowstorms that have brought several inches (and sometimes feet!) of snow, this is why that average is inflated. There have been 4 total times in the past 50 years where 10"+ of snow has fallen in a single season in Fort Worth, TX. So far, there has not been a single winter in the past 50 years that has not given Fort Worth at least a snowflake, but there have been 43 winters in the past 50 years in which MEASURABLE snowfall has fallen in Fort Worth. Even crazier, 28 of those 42 winters have produced over 1"+ of measurable snowfall. This does NOT include this upcoming winter. We've already seen a trace of sleet in Fort Worth, which means this trend has continued. Only time will tell. Stay updated with NTXWC for the latest on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube! Support NTXWC! Supporters are the only way NTXWC can stay afloat: https://linktr.ee/ntxweathercenter Last winter brought plenty of surprises to North Texas which included bitter cold snaps, substantial snowfall, and relentless ice. However, most of the winter was above average and dry. What can you expect this winter in North Texas and across anywhere in the United States? Check out the video below for the full details! An EF-1 tornado was confirmed by the National Weather Service today. The tornado was on the ground for approximately four minutes, and began near the Winona High School. Students at the school quickly sheltered after a tornado warning was issued for the area.
Several residents were left with trees and small debris to clean up. Many residents called this "uncalled for" due to the very rare nature of tornadoes happening in the month of August. CRAZY, BUT TRUE: In North Texas, there has not been a tornado confirmed in the month of August since 1988. Winona is just outside of North Texas, so this will still hold as a long streak. However, there was a tropical funnel that may have briefly touched down today in Hill County. As of now, there has been no reports of damage. Tropical funnels typically do not cause much damage and are short-lived and reach up to 70 MPH winds. Temperatures continue to hit record highs in Texas. However, there is more to the story than just Texas. In fact, a large portion of the Northern Hemisphere is dealing with record-setting heat, from the United States into Europe. What is the cause of this extraordinary heat?
Some residents from Texas speculate that this is a "typical Texas summer", when in all reality, it isn't. Dallas/Fort Worth has already recorded 23 days of being at or above 100°F, and we haven't even reached the peak of summer. The average amount of 100°F days in a year in DFW is 20. At this rate, we could exceed 65 days by the end of the year. The most 100+ degree days in a single summer in DFW was 71 back in 2011. The 2nd most was set back in 1980 with 69 days of 100+ degree heat. Beyond that, our 3rd warmest summer only had 56 days of 100+ degree heat back in 1998. NTXWC 100°F+ Days Prediction (2022): 64 The huge question is, what is causing this heatwave in Texas? There are several reasons why this could be occurring. Though some deny it, climate change is ongoing. Climate change is easily the biggest contributor to the longer and more dangerous heatwaves that the world is seeing. Glaciers are shrinking, pollution is at an all-time high, and fossil fuels are being burnt at extremely high rates. Now, for those who may think climate change is not a factor, let's go back in the history books into what DFW temperatures used to record back in the 1900-1950 range. Between 1900-1950, we didn't have a single summer that had recorded more than 37 100°F days. From 1951-1985, we recorded 6 years with at least 38 days of above 100°F. Most notably, 1980 was the worst of those years. From 1986-2021, we have recorded 4 years of at least 38 days above 100°F. Though you may think, "wow, so it looks like the heat isn't nearly as frequent as before?". Well, yes. However, that's not the worst part about the brutal summers. Between 1951-1985, the 6 years that had at least 38 days of above 100°F heat averaged approximately 49 days of 100°F+ weather during each of those years. However, between 1986-2021, we have averaged 54 days of 100°F+ weather during the four years that had significant heat. Is this not yet enough to prove climate change? Well, let's continue through the statistics. According to the top 10 hottest summers of time; between 1950-1985, we had only 4 summers with 18 or more consecutive days above 100°F. Meanwhile, between 1986-2021, we had 6 summers with 18 or more consecutive days above 100°F. So, what does all of this data indicate? Most scientists agree upon that climate change is impacting the world currently with longer-lived heat waves, more frequent severe weather, and dangerous winter cold blasts to places that don't see them that often. In this case, we have seen more frequent and long-lived heatwaves from 1986-2021 than 1900-1985. This is likely due to an increase or stabilization of the amount of fossil fuels (ie: CO2) used and pollution generated. Is it just climate change? Yes and no. Climate change is causing the extended periods of heatwaves and dry weather to a large portion of the Southern Plains. However, weather patterns like this during La Nina aren't rare. They occasionally happen, but not at the magnitude and length that we are seeing. Due to a dry spring, the soil was fairly dry heading into the summer months. Therefore, a lack of precipitation has led to a much drier summer along with the extreme heat. When we think globally, areas like Europe are hitting record highs and are having extreme heatwaves right now. This brings up the question, "is it all because of La Nina?". Clearly, no. Therefore, climate change is likely the biggest reason why these heatwaves are occurring on a global scale. Luckily, it's not all "doom and gloom". Many people think that climate change will eventually get too bad to stop. However, we have seen very promising signs that climate change is starting to flatten out. Why? CO2 levels have remained flat for the past decade. Not just that, but more people than ever are purchasing solar panels for their own home or business. Just in the past year, the amount of Texans with solar panels has doubled! More people than ever have become vegan or limited the amount of meat they consume to limit emissions from animals. More people are purchasing electric vehicles. Though electric vehicles do not make a major difference to climate change, if you charge it with solar, it could make a long-term change. Those are just a few of the many things that are happening that are helping to limit climate change and lower pollution globally. There are many things that you can do that take little to no effort! There are so many little things that you can do to help slow pollution and climate change! A lot of these can SAVE YOU MONEY as well! 1. Unplug unused appliances, phone charging ports, computers, and Alexia! While you are at work for 8 hours on Monday, did you realize that you could be paying between $200-400 per year in unused appliances and more? You better believe it! According to The Department of Energy, you could save 10% every month when you simply unplug appliances, phone charging ports, computers, and any other unused devices! Many residents have over 20 appliances and charging ports plugged in during the day that are using electricity, even when nothing is plugged in! 2. Turn up your A/C and turn on ceiling fans! Believe it or not, by turning up your A/C by even a degree, it can save you a lot of money on your next utility bill. When you turn on ceiling fans along with that, the temperature in your house will feel nearly the same or even slightly cooler than before! Turning your A/C to a temperature between 78-82 during the summer months is highly recommended for higher efficiency and comfort. I've personally lived with a temperature of 80 inside and it is extremely comfortable. Try it out for a few days! 3. SHOP SECOND HAND! I cannot stress this enough. If you are looking to purchase clothes, furniture, lamps, or anything else, BUY SECOND HAND! Believe it or not, pollution is caused the most with the production of new clothes. By simply going to a second hand store, you may find some good shirts, pants, shoes, and much more that is not just cheaper, but is better for the environment. Always look for used items before buying new, because it could save you a lot of money and help the environment! This may sound CRAZY, but it's true! When you have your cable box plugged in and watching TV, it may use between 20-30 watts, depending on the cable box. Let's take the Samsung cable box for example. While it is on and recording, it uses 28 watts. While the cable box is off and not recording, it uses 26 watts. Don't believe me? Let's take the Apple TV for example. While on, it consumes 21 watts. While off, it still consumes 17 watts. That means you are paying a LOT for something that you may only use for 1 hour a day! With the current electricity rates near $0.14 Kwh, a Samsung Cable Box off could cost as much as $3 more per month! That might not sound like much, but imagine all of your appliances combined... Do you have a laptop? Is it currently plugged in and has it been fully charged for a while? According to the Apple MacBook, it takes 48 watts while closed and charging. However, when it is fully charged, it can take as much as 27 watts! You can make a BIG difference by simply unplugging things like your at-home Alexia device, TV, monitors, phone charging ports, computers, and much more! It only takes 2-3 seconds to unplug and plug back in appliances! Want 11 more AMAZING money-saving and electricity-saving tips? Click ME! When will the heatwave end in North Texas? This question has been asked dozens of times to me. There is no short-term rain or significant cooldowns forecasted. The jet stream is lifted extremely far to the north, preventing any major pattern changes. The only way that we could see a big cooldown or major changes would be from either a tropical system out of the Gulf of Mexico OR a dip in the jet stream. Unfortunately, neither of these are in the forecast for the next 14 days. Temperatures are forecasted to stay above 100 degrees for the next couple of weeks, baring a major weather forecast change. Overall, I don't expect any big pattern changes until September UNLESS a tropical system comes inland. Even then, a big change is very questionable. As always, we will keep you updated on NTXWC with the latest. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (Click me) Follow us on Facebook (Click me) Writer: Max Conserving is one of the biggest ways to our future, which is why I made this blog post. I will discuss my efforts in conserving energy and helping to prevent climate change. Though many of you may not make the changes I have made, even if you make one change, it could save you time, money, and slowing down climate change. Though climate change is a highly debated topic, it is true that our world is warming. I won't get dramatic or panic you about it since many of you may already know the impacts. However, I do want to mention ways that I've personally gone about preventing climate change in my own life. Turn off ALL lights, fans, computers, monitors, and phones not in use. - This may seem very cliché, but believe it or not, you probably aren't doing this as much as you think. Whenever I'm at home, I make sure that every time I walk by an area with a light on without reason, I will turn it off. It's become a strong habit of mine that's not just saving electricity, but it's also saving money. Ceiling fans are also left on quite often when nobody is home, so make sure to turn those off. Doing these things will also save you money on your electrical bill. - When vacationing, many lights are turned on and left on during your stay! Make sure that you turn these off before leaving the room or if they are not in use to begin with! Turn your A/C up by one extra degree! - I've made it standard that during the day, if the outside temperature is 10+ degrees the indoor temperature, the A/C will be set to 80-82 degrees. At night, it's 78 (unless cooler outside, windows are open and A/C goes off). Again, this is just my personal preference, but many people set their A/Cs to 68-72 during the day when they aren't home, which is using critical energy at a larger scale. Again, turning up your A/C even by a single degree will save you money on your electrical bill. - When vacationing, turn up your A/C when you leave your room! A lot of the time, your A/C will be set to 65-70 in your room, so make sure to turn that up even a few degrees so that you aren't wasting energy when you leave your room! Overall, this could help lower hotel costs if everyone were to do this! Buy Solar Products or GO SOLAR! - Solar is currently our future of energy. It doesn't use greenhouse gases, it saves you money on your electrical bill, and it is CLEAN for the environment, Yes, solar panels are expensive, and if you don't have the money for them, you can always buy solar products! A few of the solar products I've purchased that were under $30 was a solar fan, a solar keyboard, solar outdoor lights, and a solar USB charging port for phones. If you would like to check these out, here's a link to the ones I've purchased: SOLAR FAN: amzn.to/3ukTrx9 SOLAR KEYBOARD: amzn.to/3R94zXo SOLAR OUTDOOR LIGHTS: amzn.to/3RjQ2sn SOLAR USB CHARGING PORTS (2 USBS): amzn.to/3ulGDqa Change to LED Lights! - LED Lights are proven to be over 50% more efficient than fluorescent lights! They also cost A LOT LESS on your electrical bill than fluorescent lights. Also, LED lights take twice as long to be changed in comparison to fluorescent lights. Take an hour of your weekend to replace all of your lights around your home from fluorescent to LED. You won't regret it! Check some out here: LED LIGHTS (6-pack) (~$11.50): amzn.to/3nyro9x LED LIGHTS (24-pack) (~$25): amzn.to/3NK2azE Stop throwing away leftovers and snacks that aren't finished. - This is another one of those that is cliché, but there is a significant amount of food wasted on a daily basis. If you can simply either finish your food or save it for later, you could save a cargo ship for importing food, gasoline to transport food to grocery stores, and more! Not just that, but all of the food that you consume is usually packaged, which produces pollution when made. When going to or leaving work, stop at the grocery store or restaurant instead of making an extra trip! - With higher gas prices, this will not just save you time and money, it will help limit CO2 going into the atmosphere (which is the biggest contributor to climate change to begin with). I've practiced this and easily saved 5-6 gallons of gas for every tank I get. Next Car Purchase: Get an ELECTRIC Vehicle or a Hybrid! - Many electric cars produce CO2 emissions when made, but have lesser impacts overtime as they do not consume nearly as much CO2 when driving. Most notably, if you have solar panels and have a car charger, you may not emit hardly any CO2 after the car purchase! - If you cannot afford an electric vehicle, there are several hybrid vehicles that have higher MPG! Some vehicles have MPG as high as 55! If you want to make a big difference, ask your car dealership for coefficient vehicles! On the highway, go the ECO speeds and don't SPEED! - Yes, you may find it cool to go fast or find it faster and think you're saving money and gas. The truth is, most cars do not run well after 78 MPH. My car has the highest MPG between 70-75, yours may be higher or lower than that. Though you should never speed, if you are to, try to stay at that "sweet spot" speed that will give you the highest MPG. I believe that most vehicles are between 65-75. Drink more water! - This may also sound crazy to those who love drinking Dr. Pepper every day (I was like that forever!), but water is not just better for you, but it also saves the waste of plastic and also sugar! Again, making that small change actually makes a bigger impact so that plastic pollution is lowered! Stop buying water bottles! - Water bottles cause plastic pollution and ocean pollution. If we can all stop buying water bottles and use filtered water from your fridge or refillable water stations, we could save a significant amount of money and pollution! If you cannot afford a fridge with a water filter, consider getting water jugs instead. Buy a Reusable Straw! - Every time you get fast food or to a restaurant, you are likely using a straw for your drink. Instead, you should purchase a reusable straw and tell the waiter or employee to keep the straw! This is another major change that we can make to stop pollution in our oceans and plastic pollution. If you want to check out the straw that I use for under $10, find it on amazon here: REUSABLE STRAW: amzn.to/3OWvlR9 If you make any changes to your daily life from this blog post, please message me on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! I would LOVE to hear your stories on how your changing your own habits! If you have been making conservation efforts for a while and want to share those, contact me! This blog post will continue to be updated as I continue my journey with conserving! This post may contain affiliate links; please read the disclosure for more information.
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