Winter may start colder, snowier than usual

We could get more snow this winter than I previously predicted.

El Niño has weakened along the equatorial regions in the last several weeks, but scientists in Australia who monitor the sea-surface temperature changes believe the phenomenon will “come back to life” by the end of the year.

With El Niño becoming less influential on global weather patterns, combined with extremely low sunspot activity, our annual snowfall totals may have to be increased for the winter of 2008-09.

The first 45 days of winter may actually turn out to be a bit colder and snowier than usual from just after Thanksgiving to around the middle of January. Assuming this pattern develops, there is a chance of another White Christmas, even at the lower elevations.

The second half of winter should be a little drier and somewhat milder than normal, particularly in late January, February and March.

As for temperatures, we could see a few mornings below the zero mark, especially in areas away from the warming bodies of unfrozen waters at elevations above 3,000 feet.

The coldest period of the season should be somewhere around the full moon cycle of Jan. 11-18, 2009. After that, it should turn a bit milder than normal.

Idaho climatologist Cliff Harris and I have issued our annual winter snowfall predictions for the various cities and towns in our part of the Inland Northwest. But, as I’ve frequently stated in the past, I reserve the right to alter these snowfall prognostications, up or down, as various weather pattern changes evolve, particularly in regards to El Niño and the amount of sunspot activity.

At Spokane International Airport, I expect about 50 inches of snow this winter. The normal is 41.8 inches. Last year, we had an incredible 92.6 inches, slightly less than the record of 93.5 inches set in 1949-50. The Spokane Valley should see about 53 inches of snow with 57 inches expected on Spokane’s South Hill. In Coeur d’Alene, about 81 inches of snow is likely. The normal is 66.7 inches.

The 2008-09 ski season should be off to an early start. By the season’s end, snowfall totals should range from 240 inches at Mount Spokane to 380 inches at Lookout Pass.