[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

In the olden days we called them the “Alberta Clipper” or “The Siberian express”.

Now it’s “polar vortex”.

Reminds me of when the words “El Nino” hit the news. A fall snowstorm blanketed parts of Colo, Kansas and Nebraska. Our local weather chick stood out in the dark, 700 miles from the storm and said..

“The question that is on everyone’s lips...”(then looking straight at the camera with a look of terror on her face, said...)”IS THIS EL NINO?”

I wanted to throw a boot at the TV.

[entropy12]

I remember “Siberian Express” well, during my years in Chicago.

[21twelve]

This winter is an “El Nino” winter. Warmer air and a bit south coming from the Pacific. I had not heard of the various “oscillations” they talk about - sounds interesting. And complex. (”Global warming” is so much easier to understand.)

From some Agricultural folks (posted early December):

“Most, if not all, of the Midwest will have colder-than-normal temperatures both January and February and overall, probably drier than normal conditions, except for areas from the Tennessee Valley, south, who will probably have more rain/snow than normal,” Hoffman says.

If you’re in the Midwest and have livestock or winter crops, keep an eye out for freeze damage on crops and cold weather hazards in non-confined livestock.

NOAA experts explains that certain other climate patterns are difficult to predict but can still affect winter weather. For example, Arctic Oscillation influences how many times arctic air masses move farther south—which has a great effect on the East Coast. In addition, the Madden-Julian Oscillation can create snowfall and heavy rain in the West Coast when El Niño is weak, as forecasters expect.

Have a plan for cold weather on your farm operation. Be prepared to protect livestock, and ready yourself for spring if winter crops might have damage. Have backup crops in mind and a threshold of damage considered so you’re ready to roll once spring comes.