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Snow Removal Pros: The 2016/17 Winter Forecast Calls for Snow

Snow Removal Pros: The 2016/17 Winter Forecast Calls for Snow

By CE Staff October 7, 2016 View Profile

Science and Astronomy Are in Favor of a Cold and Stormy Winter in the North

In the spirit of manifesting our own destiny, we’re predicting a busy work season for our snow-focused readership. Shaking our construction site snow globe, we foresee an eventful winter full of blizzards, ice storms, lake effects and snow squalls, and we’re not the only ones feeling goosebumps. The 2017 Farmers’ Almanac and its famous long-range winter weather prediction are forecasting an exceptionally cold season for 2016/17.

Using a top secret mathematical and astronomical formula that relies on sunspot activity, tidal action, planetary position and probably just plain guessing, the prediction wizards at the Farmers’ Almanac are expecting frigid weather over parts of the Northern Plains, Great Lakes, Midwest, Ohio Valley, Middle Atlantic, Northeast and New England this winter. The almanac is also suggesting shots of very cold weather will periodically reach as far south as Florida and the Gulf Coast. In contrast, milder-than-normal temperatures will prevail over the Western states. As far as snow, the Farmers’ Almanac does contain a forecast that should keep many snow professionals happy in the East (see image).

According to the long-range, scientific analysis of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), El Niño officially came to an end in early June, and experts are calling for La Niña to develop in its footsteps (its cold variant). La Niña puts an emphasis on the northern jet stream while weakening the southern jet stream, keeping moisture in the northern tier of the country. Thus, NOAA is calling for above average precipitation in Washington, northeast Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, western Alaska and the Great Lakes Region, which is mostly like the Farmers’ Almanac prediction. NOAA is also calling for below average precipitation and higher than normal temperatures in California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, southern Alaska and the lower half of the United States in general.

Snow presents one of the most challenging forecasting formulas for scientists to conquer — not only predicting when and where snow will fall but measuring how much has fallen. So perhaps prayer is our best recourse for a busy work season. Regardless, this issue of CE is built to help you capitalize on the winter season ahead to find new work, outfit your equipment properly, keep safe and earn extra income. From an overview of the commercial removal sector via the Snow and Ice Management Association on page 16 to turning your compact tractor into a versatile snow machine (“Implements of Winter”) on page 40, this pub is dedicated to the winter equipment professionals braving slick roads and long nights this chilly work season.