Updraft: January 23, 2008 Archive

Glass half full

Posted at 7:01 AM on January 23, 2008 by Paul Huttner

Things are looking up on the weather maps for the next few days.

After one more shot of Nanook arctic air for the next 36 hours, we begin to climb out of the deep freeze. It's always interesting to evaluate the magnitude of warm Pacific air incursions in winter. The arctic air is shallower this time, and will give us a glancing blow.

As the flow turns southwest into the weekend, temps will begin to respond Thursday afternoon, and may hold steady or rise Thursday night.

Look for 30's by Saturday, and we may top out in the upper 30's with a few low 40's by Sunday afternoon in southern and western Minnesota.

Get out and enjoy the Winter Carnival, but brace for one more arctic shot first!

PH

Snow put to lyrics

Posted at 12:58 PM on January 23, 2008 by Craig Edwards

Despite the meager amount of new snowfall for most of Minnesota recently, have you noticed there is a crunch when you walk on even the thinnest coating of the powdery snow?

The physical composition of fallen snow crystals, as frozen water droplets, layered upon each other, create tiny air pockets. When your foot pushes the snow to the pavement it induces a small rush of heat as the particles compress. Research has shown that the physical properties are altered when the air temperature is cooler than about 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus during the recent cold snap, there is no melting under foot, there is a crunching sound. Ah, the sites and sounds of winter!

More information from the National Snow and Ice Data Center

The story fits well with the favorite Christmas lyrics, hear the snow crunch, see the kids bunch…!
CE