Today in Weather History: Feb. 14 vs. Jan. 14
As we noted last month, January 14, statistically speaking, is virtually allergic to snow. That's not the case for today's date, however. The February 14 daily snowfall record of 4.9" in 1885, while far from the overall February daily record of 16.4" in the blizzard of Feb. 11, 1983, is still quite respectable. In the modern era, the record snowfall for the 14th at National Airport is a bit lower, 3.5" in 1970.
Despite the fairly low record amounts, however, in the 78 years since 1930, 1" or more of snow has fallen six times on February 14. The maximum snow frequency for February belongs to the 11th, with nine occurrences in the same period. At the other extreme, the fifth and the 21st have the fewest occurrences, only one each.
What are the chances of seeing at least 1" of snow on any given day in February? Less than 5%! Of the 2203 February days (including leap year) since 1930, only 104 have had at least 1" of snow.
By Steve Scolnik |
February 14, 2008; 6:30 PM ET
Local Climate
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Posted by: ~sg | February 14, 2008 7:07 PM
This winter is over. It may snow in March, but it will b gone the next day. Another non-winter is rapidly coming 2 an end. No school closing, might still have a delayed opening, but this winter is done. My 3-5 prediction of above average temps looking good. Still think next winter might actually b seasonal.
Posted by: VaTechBob. | February 14, 2008 7:10 PM
Wow, nice stat work Steve...of course on the depressing side is 104 out of 2203 days with at least 1 inch of snow...jeez...where is the thumbs down emoticon when you need it :(
Posted by: Mike from the Blue Ridge | February 14, 2008 7:31 PM
My prayers to the victims of the Illinois campus shooting. As RFK said in 1968 - It seems to go on and on.
Posted by: Augusta Jim | February 14, 2008 7:34 PM
On Valentine's Day in 1986 there was indeed snow... and quite a bit of it. That was our wedding day, and we had an outdoor wedding planned. Guests bundled up; we got through the ceremony and I was so happy-numb that I didn't care. The caterer's truck got stuck in the driveway and we had to leave our car at the Shady Grove metro station to catch our honeymoon train at Union Station.
Happy memories!!
Posted by: Welmoed Sisson | February 14, 2008 7:41 PM
Augusta Jim: Thanks for the mention of the NIU incident - I hadn't previously heard. I'll add my prayers as well.
Posted by: ~sg | February 14, 2008 8:12 PM
Welmoed: Happy Anniversary!
Posted by: ~sg | February 14, 2008 8:15 PM
I was out of the area in '86, so I didn't witness that storm. It wasn't very prolific (only 1.3" at National and 0.8" at Dulles), but it must have been plenty icy: The high/low temperatures at Dulles were 29/4, and it had been at or below freezing for the previous 3 days.
Posted by: Steve, Capital Weather Gang | February 14, 2008 8:47 PM
Bob,
SO by seasonal, we're still talking about rather abysmal?
Posted by: Period | February 14, 2008 8:52 PM
How about the ice storm last Valentine's Day? Sure its not "snow", but I was without power for several days.
How soon we forget! :)
Posted by: jtf | February 14, 2008 11:29 PM
And on V-Day in 1990, it was sunny and 73.
Posted by: WSL | February 15, 2008 10:28 AM
So...5% is all the greater chance we get even in February??? This is supposed to be the SNOWIEST month around here!!! What a bummer...and worse yet, DOWNPOURS for my dance Sunday night!!! Gimme a break... I'm getting tired of these RAIN-BESOTTED LOW-ATTENDANCE DANCES! Let's have good weather on dance night for a change!!!
Posted by: El Bombo | February 15, 2008 10:46 AM
The comments to this entry are closed.
All right, I TRIED not to say it, but: I guess we're not going to get lucky on Valentine's Day this year. :-p