When The First Snow Of The Season Typically Falls & How To Prepare

  • Nov 13, 2017

Winter Season 2017

It’s only November and the first snow of 2017 has already fallen! In fact, the winter season unofficially started in September, when the first snow of 2017 fell in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. In September, the first snowfall in the Midwest dumped a measurable blanket on the plains. In the Northeast, snow at higher elevations is starting to get skiers and snowboarders excited (although they don’t need the real stuff to ski). Finally, in the U.K., the northern part of the country saw their first snow this past weekend. Throughout the U.K., the first snow of 2017 has been falling for a while now.

And more snow is on the way. Our weather alert system is prepared to predict snow systems all winter long. With data feed from our own network of hyperlocal weather stations as well as winter alerts from the National Weather Service, Sferic Maps is ready to keep organizations one step ahead of Mother Nature.

Winter Weather Predictions

Texas and the Southeast U.S. will see a warm and dry winter. However, our meteorologists expect a “roller coaster” winter, with changing conditions depending on the location. For example, we’re expecting colder than average weather from the North-Central U.S. into Washington State.

Get a full picture of our meteorologists’ winter weather predictions, join us for our Winter Outlook Webinar on November 16th.

How To Prepare For Winter Weather Events

Even if the first snow hasn’t fallen in your area yet, it’s important to review some winter weather safety tips. It’s easy to forget a lot of these when outside looks like a winter wonderland.

  • Gather gas for your generator or wood for your fireplace
  • Store shovels and salt in the house so you can get to them easily
  • Make sure you have waterproof layers ready, so you stay warm and dry while shoveling
  • Limit traveling on snowy road
  • Take breaks while shoveling and if you have signs of a heart attack call 911
  • Stock up on food
  • Do not travel or go outside during ice storms
  • Understand what thundersnow is so you can stay safe

 

If you operate a business, it’s also important to be ready for winter weather. Having a generator, salt, and shovels is just the beginning of keeping operations consistent throughout the winter. Make sure you prepare staff ahead of time so they know what to do in winter weather emergencies. If you know what weather is coming ahead of time thanks to a weather visualization tool or a meteorological consultant, you can also plan schedules according to the weather. Always make sure communication channels are open to ensure that you and your staff are on the same page during snowstorms and ice storms.