That's right! There's no place on earth that has a better winter than the Mid-Atlantic states. We may not get much snow but because of that, each storm is special in some way. Meteorologist say that winter begins December 1st and the calendar says that winter begins on the 21st. Here in the Mid-Atlantic, our winter season begins in late November and goes through March, sometimes, into early April. Our region receives average snowfalls ranging from as little as 5 inches to as much 30+ inches in some mountainous areas. Citizens in our region that live along the Chesapeake Bay, particularly on the Delmarva peninsula may have enhanced snowfall due to what is called BES or bay-effect snow. Very similar to LES, BES can come in heavy bands when the wind blows cold air over the warm waters of the bay. Waves of BES come in fast and can end just as fast as the winds on the bay are constantly changing direction. BES bands usually do not produce accumulation but sometimes a stronger band may produce a quick inch or two. Average wintertime temperatures also vary throughout the region. They range from the 40's in the south to the 30's in the northern and mountainous areas. 'Forever - Winter' is here to serve as a tool for forecasting this winter season and the winters yet to come.

May your hearts be filled with snowy splendor,

Sincerely,

Garrett Piersa - Meteorologist in training
Signed ~ June 29th, 2009