International House of Snowflakes
Wild Winter Weather Hits China, Israel
Some statistics this morning from site visitor Augusta Jim would indicate that the very long-term snow trend is not negative, but as Matt pointed out, La Niña may be limiting our flaky fortunes through February. If we don't get the snow, who does?
Manufacturing jobs and cash may not be the only things Washington is exporting. China is having its worst winter weather in about 50 years. CNN quoted the Xinhua news agency:
"The heavy snow and sleet has paralyzed transport and coal shipments, and led to travelers cramming railways stations and airports and power supply reductions in almost half of the 31 provinces and regions on the Chinese mainland."
CNBC reported on air this morning that coal exports had been halted and that coal inventories were down to an eight-day supply. And China isn't the only international location making local snow lovers jealous.
Forecast map from Israel Meteorological Service shows snow for Jerusalem and the higher elevations in the north of the country.
The Middle East is also experiencing unusual winter weather. Although Jerusalem has some snow once or twice in a typical winter, a rare eight-inch snowfall was reported today. The Jerusalem Post reported that streets were deserted as schools and most shops were closed. Lebanon, Syria and Jordan were also affected by the storm.
The Israel Meteorological Service (also available in Hebrew) is forecasting moderate to heavy snow for Jerusalem on Thursday, with temperatures from -1°C to +4°C. At around 10 p.m. local time today, the temperature was slightly above freezing, and 0.4 mm of precipitation had fallen in the past hour. As shown on the regional weather map, the cold temperatures were enhanced by northerly flow between a strong high pressure area over Turkey and a deep low over Iraq. Although Jerusalem is relatively close to the mild Mediterranean, the station altitude is 815 meters above sea level, or about 2500 feet. The elevation of the official thermometer at National Airport, in contrast, is 10 feet.
Jerusalem observed a heavy snowfall last winter as well, and dozens were injured in the inclement weather.
By Steve Scolnik |
January 30, 2008; 7:00 PM ET
International Weather
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Winter Storms
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Posted by: weatherdudeVA | January 30, 2008 7:07 PM
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Maybe China could make snow one of their top exports. I would buy a bag in a flash.
P.S: I'm only half joking. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tudor_Ice_Company
Posted by: mcleaNed | January 30, 2008 7:48 PM
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The new Capital weather sucks.
I miss the old site. Where is our schoolcast? How many snowflakes/apples are on for tommorrow night?
Posted by: miss the old capitalweather | January 30, 2008 7:57 PM
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Did you consider that there isn't a schoolcast yet because the event is still 2 days away, and that any significant icing will probably be well north and west of the city? Hmm.
Posted by: jtf | January 30, 2008 8:39 PM
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Any signs of cold returning this winter?
Posted by: chrisfromVA | January 30, 2008 10:02 PM
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missing the old site: JTF is right on. There is no schoolcast for 2 reasons: 1) we're forecasting this to be mainly a rain event for the immediate metro area 2) we don't do schoolcasts for events 2 days away and never have
Posted by: Jason, Capital Weather Gang | January 30, 2008 10:10 PM
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No sign of any long term cold 4 the next 10 days. Winter is now 83% over.
Posted by: VaTechBob. | January 30, 2008 10:39 PM
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Heavy blizzard conditions in West Bank. Also heavy snow in the mountains of Lebanon and in Amman Jordan. Damascus Syria also experienced heavy snow. Check this out: http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/30/africa/30mideast-snow.php (I've actually been there.. its simply amazing)
Posted by: Anonymous | January 30, 2008 10:40 PM
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Oops, 67% over, it will b 77% over by Feb 10.
Posted by: VaTechBob. | January 30, 2008 10:41 PM
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Wow, that's a great photo of that snowy temple. I wonder how many snows it has seen over the past few thousand years. :)
Posted by: jtf | January 30, 2008 11:28 PM
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Par for the course...everybody else is getting snow in the Northern Hemisphere EXCEPT US!!!
And we have that nasty, windy rainstorm to deal with tomorrow!!! BUMMER!!! Particularly bad since I need to take a call from La Crosse WI on my land line at home at 3 PM tomorrow. Worst time of the winter to have "A FEW RUMBLES OF THUNDER"!!! I do have a dance tomorrow night but may SKIP it if continued nasty weather threatens attendance. The biggest risk for me is not the expected rainy weather but a possibly half-empty dance floor due to the weather event. If it doesn't look like fun, I'll just stay home and save my money.
Posted by: El Bombo | January 31, 2008 10:50 AM
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The news agencies are telling us everything about the China storm except for what I want to know: how much snow (measurement) did they/are they getting?