Winter of 2002-2003: The cold facts...

This past winter (especially February) will be remembered by the cold temperatures and frequent precipitation. Throughout the state of Maryland, snow was dumped relentlessly on our sidewalks and cars. The minimum snowfall recorded in Maryland was 8.9 inches for the month of February (Assateague Island, Worcester County, Md). Dare I mention the town with the maximum snowfall? Eagle Rock, Garrett County, recorded a total of 81.5 inches of snow for the month. There's a number to send shivers down your back.

This winter season started with December of 2002, with below normal temperatures (and much below the previous winter), and above normal precipitation totals (likewise, very much above the previous year's totals). December had it's start with Arctic cold, which triggered the season's first major snow storm. By the 7th, record lows were observed by many areas due to perfect "cold weather" conditions; clear skies, no wind and good snow cover. There was a wet storm around the 11th with freezing rain west of the Chesapeake Bay. The last two weeks warmed up some, although two more storms hit us before the year's end. A rain storm first, and then a seasonable Christmas eve snow for most areas (St. Mary's county had rain).

The month of January decided to mix things up a bit, with below normal temperatures as well as below normal precipitation amounts (the first time this has happened since September of last year). Although precipitation and snow amounts were only slightly below normal (see table below), the average temperature of the month was the coldest since 1994. The first ten days brought about an average of above normal temperatures, and above normal precipitation as well. A couple of locations (Frederick and South Bowie) reported over 2" of rain from New Year's Day. Most other places received over an inch. By the 10th, temperatures dropped and stayed down for the rest of the month. Because of the dry arctic air that came in and settled down to stay, we lost our streak of above normal precipitation amounts. There were, however, frequent light snows, but they didn't amount to much.

Finally it comes down to February. The Atlantic Coast Observer Network (ACON) says it best with "Paralyzing snows, persistent cold...coldest winter in 25 years." As mentioned earlier, Eagle Rock had more than 80 inches of snow recorded for this month, and the next highest amount recorded was far below that; 49.5 inches at Parkton 1W, Baltimore County, as well as at Oakland, Garrett County (Columbia in Howard County and Martin State Airport in Baltimore County weren't far behind, with 48.5 and 47.2, respectively).

The month started out nice, with above normal temperatures across the board. Of course, a strong cold front came in on the 4th with rain and strong winds. Then on the 6th we were greeted with an average of 6-7 inches of snow on the ground. Bitter cold weather stayed for the next couple of days, and half the stations of Maryland recorded their lowest temperatures of the month during this period. Near the middle of the month light snowfall and continuing cold was the trend, and single digits were popping up in the morning hours of Anne Arundel and Harford counties. Then on the 15th-18th, our major snow storm of the year hit us with full force.

To really get a good idea of what we experienced this winter, we should take a look at this winter, last winter, and what happens on average. The following table is a comparison of the Winter of 2001-2002, the winter of 2002-2003, and the calculated normal temperatures for Maryland winters at the three major airports surrounding us, as well a few stations in various parts of Maryland (North, West, East, South). As you can see, this winter was consistently colder than the normal temperatures for the winter months,and much worse than our previous lukewarm winter!

Here's one more thing to take a look at before turning away from this memorable winter for good. Departures from normal give you a good idea of what we experienced as opposed to what is defined as normal. Think of it this way: the departure from normal for February at Reagan National was -4.4 degrees. That means that month was 4.4 degrees below what is normal for that month. The normal is defined as the average over the 1971-2000 period. This departure doesn't look like a big number, but an average takes into account sporadic spikes and dips in temperature. So, to get an entire degree below the average takes a number of dips (or spikes if you've gone above average, as did the Winter of 2001-2002). A departure of 4.4 degrees indicates many cold days and nights indeed.

Here's to cold, wet winters from here on out!!