This is the time of year in New England when it becomes clear the natural order has been upset and that winter will, in fact, never end.
Growing up in Connecticut as a kid, February was usually snowy and cold. Now with climate change and the somewhat warmer winters, the snow has been replaced by an exciting variety of rain, freezing rain, sleet, slush and, oh yeah, some snow too. Freezing rain is the worst as it takes down trees and power lines. Online traffic maps here helpfully note downed trees on major roads.
The perky euphemism that forecasters use for this wretched weather is “wintry mix.” Sounds positively festive doesn’t it?
Well, at least the drought is over. The aquifers are refilling and Spring really will be here soon.
Though ten or twelve days ago we had seven days and as many inches of snow that earlier this week melted in as many hours, out here on The High Desert the mesquite, manzanita and river willow are budding. Early.
We just got an other seven inches. Our snow pack in the mountains exceeds 100%. Yee haw– it’s a wet year in UT, and very welcome!