UPDATE on the BLIZZARD

It has been called the worst storm in history, but actually the weather records indicate that while the recent major winter storm was very severe and affected a large portion of the U.S., it was actually not the chart topper.

Here are links to various storm summaries:

From the National Weather Service (NWS) in Chicago   As a point of reference, I remember the 1967 storm--I was 8 years old, living in southwestern Michigan.  It seemed as though the snow would never stop falling.  The winds whipped the snow into major drifts that we played in for quite some time---the kids had a ball with all the snow, but I also do remember most adults were rather grumbly about it.               

From the NWS in Milwaukee/Sullivan

From the NWS Hydro Prediction Center

few comments on GLOBAL WARMING

It seems as though the discussion of global warming has ebbed a bit recently, but here is a recap of an email chat I had this week on the subject.  I won't disclose the name of the person I chatted with, but will say he is from our area.

Here is the initial email I received:

Channel 7 Meteorologists,

Global climatologist Heidi Cullen calls for the immediate firing of  any meteorologist who is not actively discussing man-induced climate change.  I agree. Start talking.

Here is my response:

Unfortunately, most of the "mainstream" news media gives very little attention to the many, many scientists, meteorologists, and  climatologists skeptical of the whole anthropogenic climate change 
discussion.

Anyone of any sincerity who has spent any time reviewing this issue would accurately conclude there is no direct, irrefutable evidence that human activities of fossil fuel consumption has or will lead to irreversible climate change.

This is the key phrase, "irreversible climate change".  While it cannot be denied that human activities (land use and development, farming and animal husbandry, development of chemicals and burning of  fossil fuels can and likely certainly have had an impact on the earth-atmosphere system, to make the claim that those activies (especially during the past few hundred years) will lead to a permanent, irreversible change in the averaged long-term weather around the earth are silly at best, and border on hysterical.

 To provide some additonal balance on the issue, you might want to investigate The Heartland Institute:  www.heartland.org

Also, provide your US mail address, and I'll send you an article I wrote on this subject for the Wausau Daily Herald in 2002.

Finally, there is always one important component of this issue that is never discussed--what about giving deference to the Creator, and seeking His guidance?

Read Colossians 1: 15-20.

-Mike

And here is the response I subsequently received:

Your response is imbecilic. I'm an ecologist; I'm acutely aware that there is no "debate," other than that manufactured by corporations, as to whether there is destructive climate change occurring. It is a disgrace for anyone claiming to be a "scientist" to dismiss this.

"Creator"?? "His"?? Good luck keeping that fariry-tale alive!

This email exchange says a lot about the current state of affairs on the climate change issue...it is to the point now that a rational discussion is almost impossible.  And yes, my faith is part of everything I do, for I am not ashamed...

Regarding GROUND HOG DAY

The other day during the 10 pm newscast I mentioned the difference between Astronomical and Meteorological Winter, and I'll review these concepts again here.

The astronomical seasons are based on the relationship of the earth to the sun, and as such the winter season is defined as the period between the Winter Solstice and the Vernal Equinox (roughly from December 21 to March 20). 

The meteorological seasons are defined on the basis of actual weather conditions, and as such follow a bit different calendar schedule.  For example, historically the three coolest months of the year for our latitude are December-February.

So, depending the perspective, there are either about 6 1/2 or 3 1/2 weeks remaining in the current winter season.

For me, while I certainly enjoy winter activities (ice skating and fishing, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing and hiking, and even a fire if it isn't too brutal outside), I am looking forward to the end of the current season and the start of spring...so I'll follow the latter definition of the seasons!