Minnesota Weather Alert!

Those of us who live in the Upper Midwest, and in southern Minnesota in particular, are experiencing a glorious day.  The sun is shining, there are white puffy clouds in the blue sky, and the temperature just topped 50 degrees!  This is wonderful; we've been looking forward to a day like today for months.  As you can see from this view of Pillsbury College's Old Main from my office window, the snow is beginning to melt in earnest.  Of course, the tree outside my window only has buds at this time; the leaves will take a few weeks to appear.  Nonetheless, we are thankful that the Lord does give us four seasons every year.  The Psalmist says it best:  "This [is] the day [which] the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."  (Psalm 118:24)

Finally . . . The End of Winter Is In Sight

It has been a difficult winter for many folks here in the Upper Midwest.  Some of our neighbors in Wisconsin have already received over ninety inches of snow this winter.  Just last weekend, Ohio got clobbered with up to two feet of snow in some locations.  Here in southern Minnesota, our snow totals for the winter have been well below average.  What we have experienced is some thirty days of below-zero temperatures during the last three months.  Frankly, Nancy and I would rather have the cold than the snow.  The forecast for this week includes several days with temperatures in the forties.  I say, "bring it on!"

What Happened to Winter? Part II

I know that some of you out there have been quite worried about our seeming lack of winter here in southern Minnesota. Just to set your mind at ease, winter has made an appearance, sort of. We experienced temperatures around zero over the weekend, and we even had a light dusting of snow today. The folks at the Weather Channel are suggesting that we might have the coldest sustained temperatures of the winter this coming weekend, with the mercury dipping down to ten below or so for a couple of nights.

Aside from keeping yourself warm, you also have to be concerned about your vehicle being able to start on bitterly cold mornings. If there is anything wrong with your vehicle, or if there are any weak links in any of your vehicle's systems, the cold winter weather will invariably expose said weaknesses and cause a degree of misery or inconvenience. But we figure that if we can get through February, we only have to survive March. Hope springs eternal, literally speaking. If anything, winter helps you to appreciate spring and summer.

What Happened to Winter?

At this time of year, the cold weather usually has us in its icy grip, and the Pillsbury campus often looks like this. But such is not the case this year. It is not my desire to get into the global warming debate, but it is worth noting that the weather here in southern Minnesota has been wonderfully mild the last couple of months. During our first winter in Owatonna (1984-1985), we saw the thermometer dip to 28 degrees below zero by the middle of December. And we received a fair amount of snow as well. Over the years, we have had our share of brutal winter weather during December and January. But this year, we have had exactly two snowstorms (if you can call them that). We had six inches on November 10, and then we had two inches on New Year's Eve. The temperatures have been quite moderate as well, with readings in the 30s and 40s not at all uncommon. But it is supposed to get down below zero by early next week for those who love cold winter weather.

If you are from Colorado, the very thought of any more snow this year sends shudders up and down your spine. I wouldn't much blame you for feeling that way. And who knows? Perhaps we will get dumped on before spring arrives. About all we can do is talk about the weather, so we will have to take it as it comes. Since I am not an winter outdoor enthusiast, I am grateful that we have gotten off fairly lightly this winter.