Skip to content
  • After the most recent snow storm in my yard getting...

    Posted by jeri trudeau, Community Contributor

    After the most recent snow storm in my yard getting golden rays in the morning thru the trees.

  • Bark Park at Sandy Bottom Nature Park 1/23/16

    Posted by Sandra Deans, Community Contributor

    Bark Park at Sandy Bottom Nature Park 1/23/16

  • As temperatures slip below the freezing mark once again on...

    Posted by H Menke, Community Contributor

    As temperatures slip below the freezing mark once again on 1/24/16, the smell of fire places is in the air in our area in Denbigh.

  • Sandy Bottom Nature Park 1/23/16

    Posted by Sandra Deans, Community Contributor

    Sandy Bottom Nature Park 1/23/16

  • This Cottontail picked a bushy plant to be sheltered during...

    Posted by H Menke, Community Contributor

    This Cottontail picked a bushy plant to be sheltered during the snow storm on Saturday, 1/23/16 and at the same time nibbled some of its tasty green.

  • Cameron and Connor waiting to play in the snow.

    Posted by michelleandjoshmann, Community Contributor

    Cameron and Connor waiting to play in the snow.

  • The 3/3/2016 light snow before midnight turned into tiny crystals...

    Posted by H Menke, Community Contributor

    The 3/3/2016 light snow before midnight turned into tiny crystals and clung to plants and grass. Denbigh Newport News saw quite a bit of this brief "Winter Weather" .

  • Heron in the marsh on Bay Tree Beach after the...

    Posted by Melanie Rapp Beale, Community Contributor

    Heron in the marsh on Bay Tree Beach after the snowstorm of 2016 - 2

  • Newport News Denbigh around 5 am 4/5/2016 was getting some...

    Posted by H Menke, Community Contributor

    Newport News Denbigh around 5 am 4/5/2016 was getting some soft white and wet snow flakes with temps hovering around +34ºF. March Memories a month ago? I've always said the "V" in Virginia stands for " variable"

  • Old Point Comfort in the snow 1/2216

    Posted by Sandra Deans, Community Contributor

    Old Point Comfort in the snow 1/2216

  • Pillars for the long destroyed pier at Amory's Wharf in...

    Posted by Zach Clarke, Community Contributor

    Pillars for the long destroyed pier at Amory's Wharf in Poquoson

  • Our palmetto is enjoying the sun, but I think it...

    Posted by Wilecat, Community Contributor

    Our palmetto is enjoying the sun, but I think it would also prefer the beach right now.

  • On my front portch.

    Posted by Sandra Deans, Community Contributor

    On my front portch.

  • Carlton22's backyard view of Boathouse Creek in Dare section of...

    Posted by GERALD PURGOLD, Community Contributor

    Carlton22's backyard view of Boathouse Creek in Dare section of York County.

  • The Monday morning,2/15/16, snowfall served up some fluffy, flakey "pie"...

    Posted by H Menke, Community Contributor

    The Monday morning,2/15/16, snowfall served up some fluffy, flakey "pie" in our garden.

  • First snowfall on the peninsula

    Posted by Michael Angelo, Community Contributor

    First snowfall on the peninsula

  • Snow falls on Trinity Lutheran Church for the first time...

    Posted by JoAnne Rawls, Community Contributor

    Snow falls on Trinity Lutheran Church for the first time this year. The Sunday storm was a preview of Winter Storm Jonas later in the week.

  • taking refuge on lamp post from winter mix

    Posted by Cathy309, Community Contributor

    taking refuge on lamp post from winter mix

  • 'I'm sick of Snow!' Steve Hinderliter snapped this photo in...

    Posted by steveraeh, Community Contributor

    'I'm sick of Snow!' Steve Hinderliter snapped this photo in his Poquoson garden where 'The Bird Girl' is a replica of the bronze garden statue in Savannah, GA - given national recognition in the film 'Garden of Good and Evil'.

  • Yorktown on a Foggy Snowy Evening

    Posted by Betty Burton, Community Contributor

    Yorktown on a Foggy Snowy Evening

  • Posted by bobby2768, Community Contributor

  • Sandy Bottom Nature Park 1/23/16

    Posted by Sandra Deans, Community Contributor

    Sandy Bottom Nature Park 1/23/16

  • It lingered for a while, the last snow storm and...

    Posted by H Menke, Community Contributor

    It lingered for a while, the last snow storm and somehow there was beauty in all that it caused. Our front yard with a Cedar and Dogwood Tree briefly decorated.

  • Bernie has had enough of the snow. Open the door.

    Posted by nita_htchr, Community Contributor

    Bernie has had enough of the snow. Open the door.

  • Sandy Bottom Nature Park 1/23/16

    Posted by Sandra Deans, Community Contributor

    Sandy Bottom Nature Park 1/23/16

  • Miss Dixie he a ball playing in the snow with...

    Posted by Sandra Deans, Community Contributor

    Miss Dixie he a ball playing in the snow with her four K-9 sisters!

  • Posted by JUDY MARSHALL, Community Contributor

  • A weather alert for freezing spray is a photographer's alert...

    Posted by JoAnne Rawls, Community Contributor

    A weather alert for freezing spray is a photographer's alert for icicles on the roots of the trees on the James River beach by the Lions Bridge.

  • Posted by Psanzo, Community Contributor

  • Posted by Terry Joseph, Community Contributor

  • is it spring yet ?????? trying to stay warm

    Posted by Cathy309, Community Contributor

    is it spring yet ?????? trying to stay warm

  • Deep Creek is brackish, so it takes longer to freeze....

    Posted by Terry Joseph, Community Contributor

    Deep Creek is brackish, so it takes longer to freeze. The big snow storm and recent cold only froze the creek a few feet from the shoreline. Here, the sun is breaking through the trees.

  • Found these icicles fallen from the house with interesting shapes!

    Posted by jeri trudeau, Community Contributor

    Found these icicles fallen from the house with interesting shapes!

  • Sunrise: 1/27/2015

    Posted by RUTH WARREN, Community Contributor

    Sunrise: 1/27/2015

  • Frosty and I!

    Posted by KELLY DIXON, Community Contributor

    Frosty and I!

  • The morning after our big snow.

    Posted by Terry Joseph, Community Contributor

    The morning after our big snow.

  • A lone Starling landed in the midst of these ice...

    Posted by H Menke, Community Contributor

    A lone Starling landed in the midst of these ice coated branches while the rising sun illuminated the melting ice. By chance, I was looking out the window and aimed at the "Brilliant Scene" of sparkles.

  • A cute snow couple on bridge of Lake Maury

    Posted by KELLY DIXON, Community Contributor

    A cute snow couple on bridge of Lake Maury

  • Flower, chasing the birds in our back yard as it...

    Posted by M Brown, Community Contributor

    Flower, chasing the birds in our back yard as it continued to snow. She had a blast.

  • It's snowing!

    Posted by Michael Angelo, Community Contributor

    It's snowing!

  • A beautiful foggy snowy evening at Yorktown Beach.

    Posted by Betty Burton, Community Contributor

    A beautiful foggy snowy evening at Yorktown Beach.

  • We put a variety of feeders with bird food in...

    Posted by H Menke, Community Contributor

    We put a variety of feeders with bird food in our backyard habitat to meet different feeding habits of the birds. Birds need some help. Snow and frost are here to stay for a while . A squired joined the birds..

  • Heron in the marsh on Bay Tree Beach after the...

    Posted by Melanie Rapp Beale, Community Contributor

    Heron in the marsh on Bay Tree Beach after the snowstorm of 2016

  • And then the Snow appeared to move across the Sky

    Posted by H Menke, Community Contributor

    And then the Snow appeared to move across the Sky

  • Flurries during the morning hours Monday, 2/15/16 changed our garden...

    Posted by H Menke, Community Contributor

    Flurries during the morning hours Monday, 2/15/16 changed our garden landscape from a slushy earth tone after the previous snow melt to soft white 1 inch cover

  • Hampton Bark Park 1/22/16

    Posted by Sandra Deans, Community Contributor

    Hampton Bark Park 1/22/16

  • Sun is doing its job of melting all of the...

    Posted by Wilecat, Community Contributor

    Sun is doing its job of melting all of the snow and ice.

  • Sandy Bottom Nature Park 1/23/16

    Posted by Sandra Deans, Community Contributor

    Sandy Bottom Nature Park 1/23/16

  • These two "love-birdies" were already taking a bit of sunshine...

    Posted by H Menke, Community Contributor

    These two "love-birdies" were already taking a bit of sunshine warm-up as a hint of things to expect. They were keenly interested in this bird house and chirping some "love?" tunes. The early birds get the best to nest in.

  • This finch trying to enjoy snow covered suet, backyard Grafton

    Posted by Cathy309, Community Contributor

    This finch trying to enjoy snow covered suet, backyard Grafton

  • Posted by Zach Clarke, Community Contributor

  • My wife Stephanie giving our new snowman a smooch on...

    Posted by KELLY DIXON, Community Contributor

    My wife Stephanie giving our new snowman a smooch on his cold cheek right in front of me!

  • Our Border Collie Dexter just loves the snow, not matter...

    Posted by Wilecat, Community Contributor

    Our Border Collie Dexter just loves the snow, not matter how much or how little!

  • As Kaylee (23 months) was building her snowman, she stopped...

    Posted by aroyals07, Community Contributor

    As Kaylee (23 months) was building her snowman, she stopped to give him a kiss.

  • Snow covered buses in York County.

    Posted by tmorris517, Community Contributor

    Snow covered buses in York County.

  • Started before midnight and fell during morning hours of 2/15/16,...

    Posted by H Menke, Community Contributor

    Started before midnight and fell during morning hours of 2/15/16, these flurries accumulated to about an inch on our street in Denbigh.

  • The morning after the big snow storm.

    Posted by Terry Joseph, Community Contributor

    The morning after the big snow storm.

  • Monday 2/15/16 another "light" snowfall blanketed the area . It...

    Posted by H Menke, Community Contributor

    Monday 2/15/16 another "light" snowfall blanketed the area . It still covered up some old snow from the previous snowfalls. Temps roller coasted from low 30's to upper teens to chill and increase the heating bill.

  • Saw this "snow" wave beginning to "break" Now, where the...

    Posted by Wilecat, Community Contributor

    Saw this "snow" wave beginning to "break" Now, where the heck is my snow board?

  • A staff member watches a rider in the snow on...

    Posted by JoAnne Rawls, Community Contributor

    A staff member watches a rider in the snow on Warwick Blvd from the Newport News Public Schools administration building.

  • Ice in the waters on a snowy day at the...

    Posted by lindaeszenyi, Community Contributor

    Ice in the waters on a snowy day at the James River Bridge.

  • Bare Trees are getting a warm-up on Sunday 1/24/16 after...

    Posted by H Menke, Community Contributor

    Bare Trees are getting a warm-up on Sunday 1/24/16 after being coated with freezing rain and snow for two days. A little vine is hanging in high.

  • A brave snow plow operator got right into the mix...

    Posted by H Menke, Community Contributor

    A brave snow plow operator got right into the mix of falling snow on Saturday 1/23/16 to clear an access road to a nearby parking lot.The snow kept falling but he kept on plowing for some time. It snowed in to late hours.

  • Thursday, 3/3/16, around 10 pm, Denbigh got some of that...

    Posted by H Menke, Community Contributor

    Thursday, 3/3/16, around 10 pm, Denbigh got some of that forecasted white and wet stuff looking like soggy snow. Temps around +34ºF could ad some "frozen" coverage to grassy areas overnight into Friday.

  • My Miss Dixie playing hide-n-seek in the snow!

    Posted by Sandra Deans, Community Contributor

    My Miss Dixie playing hide-n-seek in the snow!

  • Tasty Firethorn berries got a bit of icing when snow...

    Posted by H Menke, Community Contributor

    Tasty Firethorn berries got a bit of icing when snow fell on Monday, 2/15/16. But the birds like them best after a good hard frost make them tastier.

  • The Monday morning snow of 2/15/16 was washed of the...

    Posted by H Menke, Community Contributor

    The Monday morning snow of 2/15/16 was washed of the sphere allowing a global view of our snow covered garden Tricky take through double-pane window with tele-lens because it was raining outside

  • Morning after the snow storm

    Posted by Wilecat, Community Contributor

    Morning after the snow storm

  • An antique engine repair tool gets a decorative coat of...

    Posted by H Menke, Community Contributor

    An antique engine repair tool gets a decorative coat of snow by the snow flurries Monday, 2/15/16. Hung the turning tool on a garden plant arch in our garden

  • Community user "Shutterbug" captured this photo of finches feeding on...

    Posted by ambroseshem, Community Contributor

    Community user "Shutterbug" captured this photo of finches feeding on Wormley Creek, during Monday's early morning snow fall

  • Snow one day made it a bit difficult for the...

    Posted by H Menke, Community Contributor

    Snow one day made it a bit difficult for the Cardinal who likes to feed on a platform of on the ground to find spilled seeds. It got its fill. Keep the feeders stocked and water in heated birdbath nearby.

  • Finally some sunshine

    Posted by PapaMike, Community Contributor

    Finally some sunshine

  • Our first Daffodil got that frosted treatment during late evening...

    Posted by H Menke, Community Contributor

    Our first Daffodil got that frosted treatment during late evening light snowfall that hit Denbigh Newport News . Temperatures were low enough to allow some crystals to reach the ground.

  • Boats at Sandy Bottom Nature Park 1/23/16

    Posted by Sandra Deans, Community Contributor

    Boats at Sandy Bottom Nature Park 1/23/16

  • Sandy Bottom Narure Park 1/23/16

    Posted by Sandra Deans, Community Contributor

    Sandy Bottom Narure Park 1/23/16

  • Canadian Geese couple got tired of fighting snow and rain...

    Posted by okguy2543, Community Contributor

    Canadian Geese couple got tired of fighting snow and rain so they rested on our Brown's Neck pier in Poquoson.

  • Hampton Bark Park

    Posted by Sandra Deans, Community Contributor

    Hampton Bark Park

  • It's all downhill from here...before that last snow melts this...

    Posted by H Menke, Community Contributor

    It's all downhill from here...before that last snow melts this week. Bears Zotti 1951 and Tiny Teddy 1949 are riding it out together. Photographer Teddy was my first bear in 1949 ..then many more followed

  • Our German shepherd, Jax - is in stark contrast to...

    Posted by M Brown, Community Contributor

    Our German shepherd, Jax - is in stark contrast to the white surroundings with his black, long haired coat. Playing catch as the snow continued to fall.

  • Snow caught by branches of Azalea bush in Dare.

    Posted by GERALD PURGOLD, Community Contributor

    Snow caught by branches of Azalea bush in Dare.

  • DEER ON THE RUN

    Posted by pwr73strk, Community Contributor

    DEER ON THE RUN

  • Fresh fallen snow at the Williamsburg Winery

    Posted by Heidi Westby Gibson, Community Contributor

    Fresh fallen snow at the Williamsburg Winery

  • Seen in Settlers' Mill, JCC on Saturday, 1/23/16.

    Posted by Jim Easton, Community Contributor

    Seen in Settlers' Mill, JCC on Saturday, 1/23/16.

  • The reflecting ball in our garden was reshaped to don...

    Posted by H Menke, Community Contributor

    The reflecting ball in our garden was reshaped to don a cone cap of snow donated by the snow that fell on Monday morning, 2/15/16.

  • Posted by wmreddtay, Community Contributor

  • The trees create shadows on the snow that result in...

    Posted by jeri trudeau, Community Contributor

    The trees create shadows on the snow that result in this looking like waves or an optical illusion!

  • Serene Evening at Yorktown Beach

    Posted by Betty Burton, Community Contributor

    Serene Evening at Yorktown Beach

  • Snow on the bank at Fort Monroe.

    Posted by Sandra Deans, Community Contributor

    Snow on the bank at Fort Monroe.

  • Snow coming down at Endview Plantation.

    Posted by obxchick87, Community Contributor

    Snow coming down at Endview Plantation.

  • A pond heater and aquarium air pump achieved the desired...

    Posted by H Menke, Community Contributor

    A pond heater and aquarium air pump achieved the desired air hole needed for the gold fish in our backyard pond. The air bubbles agitated the warmed up water and kept the new snow from freezing.

  • Posted by Terry Joseph, Community Contributor

  • Neighborhood at Jordan's crossing - just after it was over....

    Posted by Nil Dutta, Community Contributor

    Neighborhood at Jordan's crossing - just after it was over. 23 January 2016 evening.

  • Frozen rain chain & water pot

    Posted by Jcyork, Community Contributor

    Frozen rain chain & water pot

  • A lone cannon sits on a foggy snowy battlefield. Yorktown...

    Posted by Betty Burton, Community Contributor

    A lone cannon sits on a foggy snowy battlefield. Yorktown VA.

  • Perfect ball throwing weather for our long haired, black German...

    Posted by M Brown, Community Contributor

    Perfect ball throwing weather for our long haired, black German shepherd. His black coat contrasted beautifully with the falling snow.

  • Steve and Julia Cook taking advantage of the snow.

    Posted by cooksj2, Community Contributor

    Steve and Julia Cook taking advantage of the snow.

  • Jax chasing squirrels, birds and his ball on his first...

    Posted by M Brown, Community Contributor

    Jax chasing squirrels, birds and his ball on his first snow fall ! His black coat was a beautiful contrast to the falling snow.

of

Expand
Author
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:

The last two winters in Hampton Roads have seen their share of cold and snow, but if federal forecasters are right, this winter should be drier and warmer than normal.

The U.S. Winter Outlook for 2016-17 from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center expects a La Nina ocean-atmosphere cooling phase will form in the Pacific in late fall or early winter, issuing below-average snowfall in the mid-Atlantic and warmer temperatures across the South.

Via NOAA
NOAA US Winter Outlook
Via NOAA
NOAA US Winter Outlook

At least, this is the most likely outcome for the season, said Mike Halpert, the center’s deputy director, in a statement last month announcing the forecast.

“It also provides the public with a good reminder that winter is just up ahead and it’s a good time to prepare for typical winter hazards, such as extreme cold and snowstorms,” said Halpert. “Regardless of the outlook, there is always some chance for extreme weather, so prepare now for what might come later this winter.”

Of all weather forecasts, seasonal ones that stretch over months are the hardest to get right, says meteorologist Bill Sammler with the National Weather Service in Wakefield.

Sometimes seasonal predictions are eventually proven wrong. And even when they’re right, he said, there can be a number of different ways of getting there.

“Let’s say you had a warm December and a warm February, but a cold January,” Sammler said. “You could still end up above-normal for the entire winter, even though you had a cold month or cold month and a half.”

So far, November has seen above-average temperatures, although they’re forecast to return to normal this weekend when they sink to the 30s overnight.

NOAA relies on climate science signals to make its winter predictions, including whether a La Nina or El Nino weather pattern forms in the Pacific, the state of atmospheric circulation known as the Arctic Oscillation and conditions in the tropics known as the Madden-Julian oscillation — all of which have far-reaching weather impacts.

By contrast, prognosticators at The Farmers’ Almanac and The Old Farmer’s Almanac issue their own competing seasonal forecasts each year based on sun spots, the tides, the position of the planets and a secret formula, or “set of rules,” developed back in 1818.

This time out, their seasonal predictions diverge.

According to Old Farmer’s, winter along the Atlantic corridor should be pretty much as federal forecasters predict: temperatures averaging about 6 degrees above normal in December and 3 degrees above in January. February temperatures should be normal.

As for precipitation, Old Farmer’s expects below-normal in December and January, but above-normal in February.

Meanwhile, the Farmers’ Almanac forecast is more extreme, predicting “(C)old Man Winter’s” return in the mid-Atlantic and other regions with “exceptionally cold, if not downright frigid weather.”

And, if you want to mark your calendars now, Farmers’ is even “red-flagging” Feb. 16-19 for a “small but intense storm” to develop near the Virginia Capes, dumping a heavy snowstorm and strong winds.

NOAA says it would never project snowstorms this far out because science simply can’t predict such events more than a week in advance.

For more on NOAA’s forecast, go to bit.ly/2e4IXdr.

Dietrich can be reached by phone at 757-247-7892.