Late Season Nor'Easter... (Seattle: area, winters, skiing) - Washington (WA) -Seattle and King County Suburbs - City-Data Forum

distortionmaster20 · 03-09-2009, 10:22 AM

It's March, and we've got yet another front of arctic air pouring out of the British Columbia interior. I just have to ask: is this normal? Friends from back east told me it hardly ever snows/gets cold around here. Those liars

Jennibc · 03-09-2009, 10:44 AM

I spent 18 winters in Seattle and never saw anything there like the area is seeing this year. It's not normal. Right now I am in Austin and we are having unusual weather here too. Several weeks of temps in the high 70s to mid 80s. Usually it's about 10 degrees or more cooler right now. I cannot help but think it has to do with climate change that everybody is talking about. So perhaps this is the new normal?

toughguy · 03-09-2009, 10:53 AM

This is the snowiest winter I can remember in a long time...also, I believe we had some record high temps at the beginning of February, so it is has been extreme on both ends of the spectrum.

CityGirl72 · 03-09-2009, 11:03 AM

hmmmmm, Every season since I moved here in May 2004, my husband has told me "This isn't normal"...but now I'm under the impression that whatever weather is happening is not normal...so I have been just going with the flow and have enjoyed the snow alot. This is my last winter here - and I will miss the snow

Heiwos · 03-09-2009, 03:12 PM

I hope this is the new normal--I like it! It was sunny a couple hours ago, now it's overcast and there is a fresh dusting of snow on the trees. There was even a boom of thunder.

pw72 · 03-10-2009, 03:36 PM

What is normal, especially in Seattle?

With that having been said, typically winter starts a little earlier and ends earlier than in the midwest and east. Not talking about rain, referring more to cold and snow. A March coldspell is somewhat unusual, but certainly not out of the question.

BTW, I believe the term "nor'easter" is used in conjunction with the east coast. Out west it is simply an "arctic outbreak", or in the midwest, an "Alberta clipper". Not to be confused with the "Pinneapple Express" or "June Gloom", both of which visit Seattle. I love all these cool weather terms!

texastrigirl · 03-10-2009, 04:31 PM

Yeah, finally some good snow for spring skiing!! I'd rather have snow, and then cold sunny days like we are having right now than rainy and 50 degrees. And anyway, what is normal?? Last year's winter was killer with clouds and rain and this year we have had record sunshine...so what gives? I find people complain regardless.