Mid-Atlantic Snow Drought: The Snow Hole Lives On

A lot of weather enthusiasts who live inland from the Northeast coast have been disappointed with snowfall this winter thus far, while their friends on the coast (and literally in every other direction) have been elated by heavy snow. I blogged about the "snow hole" before Christmas. Today, as a snow enthusiast myself, I am disappointed to say that it is still there, covering a small area from central Pennsylvania down through Virginia. Yesterday's MODIS satellite image shows it well:

It also shows up well on today's NOAA snow cover analysis, although note that some of their coverage of "0-1 inches" is exaggerated probably due to old observations or a satellite mismatch. It's worth noting that only Central Pennsylvania, home of AccuWeather HQ [Google Map], is the true snow hole at this time, because we have had little to no snow all season. Further south in Virginia, they had a good bit on the ground the last time we talked about this.

There are few official climate stations in this area, but AccuWeather's internal database and the NCDC Snow Averages show these stats for snow so far this season: Williamsport has only received 5 inches, compared to their normal 11.2", and in Harrisburg, they've received no measureable snow, when they should have had 8.8" by the end of December. Here in State College, Penn State has recorded only 3.2 inches, versus an average of 7.8, making it the 81st snowiest winter (out of 115). In other words, it still could be worse.

How long will this last? Unfortunately a warm-up is ahead which will melt much of the snow on that map and no fresh snow will fall in our area through January 7th, according to the GFS computer forecast model:

Of course, if you live here and dislike snow, congratulations. This season (so far) is in your favor.