ISSUED 8:15 am, WEDNESDAY (3-1-2023) Data discussed below are based on official, preliminary published National Weather Service (NWS) Cooperative (COOP) weather station data currently collected near Deerfield Village in the south end of the valley at 3,250 feet elevation and historically, at two other close-by locations. These data are subject to change based on final NOAA data quality control procedures. The three-station, threaded (connected together) valley bottom climate record is 79-years long, dating back to 1944. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FEBRUARY, 2023 CLIMATE SUMMARY: February, 2023 in Canaan Valley tied or broke several records for mildness and low snow. Some highlights are below: February Temperatures: - was the 3rd mildest February in the 78-year record (observed 36.1 °F was 8.1 °F above the 28.0 °F avg.). - tied for the all-time lowest number of February days (17) with freezing temperatures or lower (also 2018). February Snowfall: - snowfall of 2.9 inches is lowest for any February in the record (previous low 3.0" in 1950). Average is 34.7". - number of days with one-inch or greater snow depth (on ground) was three, tied for the 2nd lowest for any February (lowest 2 days in 1956). - maximum snow depth of two inches tied the previous all-time lowest maximum February snow depth (1956 & 1959). Total February Precipitation: The month's 3.60 inches liquid equivalent of all precipitation (melted snow, sleet, & freezing rain, plus plain rain) was 75 percent of the 4.49 inch 30-yr. average. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2022-23 THREE-MONTH WINTER CLIMATE REVIEW (Dec., Jan., Feb.): The three 2022-23 climatological/meteorological winter months were very mild and dry with all-time record low snowfall. Some highlights are below: Mild and dry conditions are generally what historical odds favor when equatorial Pacific Ocean La Niña conditions (a cold event) exist as they did during this winter and the previous two winters (a record-tying three consecutive La Niña winters). Winter Temperatures: - the observed 3-month temperature of 32.4 °F was 5th warmest winter on record (3.3 °F above the 1991-2020, World Meteorological Organization's 30-year decadal average 29.1 °F) (94th percentile for warmth). - the number of frigid days with ≤ 0 °F minimum temperatures was only three, five days below the 3-month average of eight such days. It was tied for the 10th lowest such number in the record. Afternoon temperatures well below zero Christmas Eve afternoon and Christmas morning combined with winds gusting to 55 MPH to create extremely dangerously low wind chills of around -40 °F. Higher wind chills remove heat more rapidly not only from exposed human skin (what the measurements are based on), but from building and pipes too. Despite precautionary measures taken by some to protect property from extremely low wind chill freeze damage, a good number of burst pipes and related damage were nonetheless reported. Winter Snowfall: - total of 21.0 inches was all-time lowest in the valley bottom's climate record. Thirty-year average is 107.6 inches. - the number of days the ground was covered by 1-inch or more of snow on only 18 days (out of 90), 2nd lowest in the climate record. This was 37 days less than the 30-year average of 55 days. - snow depth maxed out at only 6 inches, third lowest in the climate record. - lowest max winter depth in 50 years. The average max snow depth reached during the three winter months is 16 inches. Total Winter Precipitation: The three-month total 10.40 inches of total liquid equivalent of all precipitation (includes melted snow, sleet, & freezing rain, plus plain rain) was 73 percent of the 14.33 inch average. - 16th driest winter in the climate record (80th percentile for dryness). - driest winter in 30 years (since 1992-93). Much of the WV High Country, including all the Canaan (eastern Tucker County) are depicted by the latest U.S. Drought Monitor (DM) (2-23-23 release) as being "abnormally dry" (DO) classification for moisture (see current DM graphic below. The DM is based on data from stream flow, drought indices, and precipitation. NOTE: A hearty thanks goes to all present and past NWS COOP observers. Without their decades of consistent, dedicated daily public service (they are unpaid trained NWS weather volunteers) in all kinds of weather "not-fit-for-man-nor-beast", your Fearless forecasts & climate reviews (and all others out there) would not be possible. Your Fearless Canaan Weatherman (aka: Bob Leffler)