February starts with a bang
PONTIAC – Despite starting off with a bang, February weather should be somewhat normal with temperatures easing up after the first week of the month.
“We’ll be dipping below zero Friday and Saturday with a snow pack on the ground,” explained Chuck Collins, meteorologist for WEEK-TV, during this week’s Livingston County Agronomy Day.
Collins believes the bulk of our February precipitation could come this week.
A warmup is expected for March and April but our area could be prone to wetness with above normal precipitation.
“It looks like we might have a wet start to spring planting this year,” Collins explained.
At this point, there is no indication of above or below normal temperatures. This could mean fairly normal temperatures over the summer. Summer precipitation is expected to be slightly above average. There are no indications of abnormally dry weather in the long-term forecast.
Collins spent part of his talk covering climate change – something he feels is backed by scientific proof. Collins noted the weather is not the same as it was 50 years ago due to seasonal warming.
“It is not your father or grandfather’s farming business and you don’t see the same weather either,” he said.
Winter is the season with the most drastic increase in overall temperature patterns. Winters tend to be milder and shorter and more fall days are becoming warmer than usual. This translates into leaves not turning and falling until at least late October. Cooler nights are required for the leaves to turn.
“September is almost becoming a summer month,” said Collins. “December is becoming less and less of a player in winter.”
One advantage of agriculture through all of this is a later growing season allowing immature plants more time to reach maturity.
“The wettest part of climate change appears to be in the spring,” Collins added.
Collins pointed to 20 separate billion dollar disasters last year such as droughts, wildfires and tornados. We are also seeing more intense downpours and thunderstorms in the scattered variety, something Collins expects to see more of.
The country is seeing a moderate La Nina weather pattern again this year similar to last year and it is weakening.
“Everything in life is not definite, especially when you’re dealing with weather.”
Collins opened his presentation by testing the audience’s weather knowledge. He said the idea that large cities can deflect tornados is false. Also, outdoor weather sirens are meant to be heard outdoors and not inside your home. By the time you hear a warning siren, it is often too late. Collins suggests another method of storm alerts such as phones or computers.
When a tornado is approaching, do not worry about opening windows and never get under a highway overpass in a severe weather event. Collins also urged the audience to remember that if you heard thunder there has already been lightning.
“You can be struck from a clear blue sky,” Collins warned.
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