Still vividly in our minds is the winter of 2013. We don't forget easily the way Old Man Winter manhandled us last year with repetitive performances of snow, cold and blizzard conditions.
What everyone is wondering is what is in store for Christmas 2013. One thing is for certain -- we won't have to worry about a white Christmas this year thanks to the early November snowfall that has been added to several times to create our white winter wonderland.
Long patches of fog over November's end, edging into December reminded us snow and blowing snow aren't the only things that hamper our driving in winter. A massive car pileup on Highway 16 the morning of Nov. 30 was a stark reminder of the dangers dense fog also presents.
The Farmer's Almanac predicts snow squalls, moving down from the Rockies, to begin anywhere from Dec. 20 to 23. This won't be what Christmas travellers want to hear but predicted by the FA, from Dec. 24 to 27 is heavy snow, accumulating up to 30 centimetres through the Prairies.
The almanac predicts the weather will return to fair skies by Dec. 28 but it will remain unsettled as more snow is also expected to move in from the Rockies. For New Year's, expect more snowfalls and the temperatures will drop. The dreaded fog is expected to loom about again in these conditions.
You can search a variety of weather sources that include the Weather Network, Environment Canada or other sources. Although some forecasts vary, one thing remains true: the weather is predictably unpredictable.
The cold snap we experienced the first week in December had many residents claiming familiarity, as they have recognized this drop into the deep freeze each year early in December. Various predictions are given as to how long and how much of this frigid weather will be experienced this winter, dependant on which source you access. Minus 59 in Lloydminster recorded or predicted for Dec. 6 had Saskatchewan folks wondering if the Ice Age really has returned!
Residents in Saskatchewan know the weather can change rapidly and often. In the winter, it is advisable to wait out bad weather rather than trying to travel in it. Increased traffic on the roadways during poor winter weather only hampers the efforts of those travellers who must be on the highways for emergency services.
Be prepared to change your plans during the winter. Cherish the chance to take advantage of a snow day on occasion, rather than risking the weather or road conditions to travel. It's disappointing to recognize Christmas travel plans may be hampered by the weather but we must remember that a) forecasts are not always accurate; and b) if the weather is poor, sometimes you have to let Mother Nature win. Keep a better safe than sorry mindset.
Winter sports enthusiasts relish the snow and look forward to fresh powder to snowmobile, toboggan or ski in.
By various forecasting sources, it appears Santa may not be the only thing we can expect this Christmas. Let's see if this year's weather predictions are correct but, until then, plan ahead, prepare emergency travel kits for your vehicles in case you are caught in changing weather while on the road and most of all, plan to be safe for your family this Christmas. That would be the best gift you could give them.
