Will Blankets of Snow Finally End the Southern Snow Drought This Year?

As a southerner who grew up watching flurries fall a few times a year, I have always loved snow. There’s nothing quite like waking up to see the world transformed into a magical winter wonderland! But as climate change has continued we’ve started seeing less and less snow down south. For the past few years, it seems our snow drought has only gotten worse. This year though forecasts are finally predicting some hopeful snowfall that may break our snowless streak!

A Look at the Southern Snow Drought

Over the last decade, the southern United States has experienced a major reduction in snowfall during winter. While an occasional flurry or two may fall, significant snow accumulation has become increasingly rare. According to climate data, average yearly snowfall totals are down by up to 80% in some areas compared to 30 years ago. It’s not just the Deep South either – even states like Tennessee, North Carolina and Arkansas have seen huge decreases.

The cause? Rising temperatures due to climate change. Warmer winters mean more precipitation falls as rain instead of snow. This warming trend has led to the driest snow conditions in the South since records began in the late 1800s. For kids today, playing in the snow is not a regular winter experience like it used to be when their parents were young. Some southerners have never even seen more than a dusting their whole lives!

The lack of southern snowfall has had ecological impacts too. Snow cover insulates vegetation, protecting roots and providing moisture. Without this insulation, plant life can suffer damage during hard freezes. Many species rely on melting snow for water as well. The snow drought has put further strain on already vulnerable ecosystems across the region.

Signs of Hope This Winter

This year, meteorologists are finally forecasting some much-needed snow relief for the South Strong weather patterns could allow multiple winter storms to sweep down from the north later this season

In late December, a system brought light snow as far south as Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. Then in early January, parts of Texas and Oklahoma saw upwards of 6 inches accumulate. While these first showers only dropped a quick coating for most areas, they signal a shift in the weather that could bring heavier events down the road.

Long-range forecasts suggest a high chance of substantial snowfall across the South in late January into February. The clash of cold arctic air from Canada with Gulf of Mexico moisture is likely to spawn low pressure systems conducive to snow. Specific amounts or locations can’t be pinpointed yet, but the ingredients will be there for the southern snow drought to finally end.

Signs point towards a potential atmospheric pattern similar to the historic 2014 southern winter storm season. That year saw places like Atlanta, Birmingham and the Carolinas receive their heaviest snow totals in decades! Almost the entire South was blanketed on multiple occasions from Louisiana to the Mid-Atlantic. We may be in for a repeat performance this year.

Preparing for Snow After Years Without

After so many mild winters, southerners may be out of practice when it comes to preparing for and dealing with significant snowfall. Here are some key things to remember

• Stock up on basic supplies like food, water, batteries and generator fuel in case roads become impassable. Don’t wait until the last minute when stores empty out!

• Have snow removal equipment like salt/sand, snow shovels and ice scrapers on hand before the snow hits. Local stores will sell out quickly once flurries are in the forecast.

• Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank at least half full. Top off windshield wiper fluid and check tire tread depth.

• When snow is imminent, avoid travel if possible. Roads will become hazardous well before the pavement appears fully covered.

• If you must go out in snowy conditions, allow ample time to drive slowly. Accelerate and brake gradually, leave extra distance between cars and don’t power up hills.

• Dress in layers if you’ll be outside shoveling walkways or playing in the snow. Windproof outerwear is key.

• Keep alternative heating sources ready like a fireplace or space heater in case of power outages. Never run gas powered equipment indoors due to carbon monoxide dangers.

• Check on elderly or at-risk neighbors to ensure they have supplies and their homes are adequately heated. Even a brief loss of power can be life threatening for some.

Enjoying Southern Snow Days

While preparing for winter weather is important, we should also anticipate the fun and beauty that a decent snowfall can bring to our region. After so many years without, now is the time to help kids experience the wonder of snow days they’ve missed out on:

• Build snowmen, snow angels and igloos in the yard. Decorate with spare buttons, fabric scraps or pebbles for eyes and noses.

• Make and throw snowballs, but remind little ones to avoid faces. Snowball target practice at trees or fences is a fun alternative.

• Go sledding on any hill you can find! Plastic saucers, old toboggans or even garbage can lids will work.

• For the more adventurous, construct basic ramps or jumps for sledding tricks. Start small to test them out safely.

• Cozy up by the fire with mugs of hot cocoa after being out in the cold. Add mini marshmallows or chocolate shavings for a special treat.

• Cook classic snow day comfort foods like vegetable beef stew, chili or thick soup to warm up from the inside out.

• Utilize an unexpected day off from work or school by playing board games or catching up on reading or movies.

With proper preparation and a sense of wonder, a rare southern snow day can be enjoyed to the fullest this winter. We’ll never turn down the opportunity to trade our usual jacket weather for a proper winter coat we can really bundle up in! Hopefully this season’s forecasted storms end the southern snow drought so we can have the kind of blustery winter we rarely get to experience down south.