Boston Expecting Another Major Snowstorm, NYC Could See Freezing Rain
Dennis Mersereau · 02/08/15 01:29PMBoston, the newly-minted capital of Canada and inspiration for Disney's Frozen, is in the path of an approaching storm system this afternoon that threatens to drop up to two feet of snow on the city and surrounding areas by sunrise on Tuesday. To the south, New York City could see an icy mess as a result of freezing rain.
Rare Subtropical Storm Forms off the Coast of Brazil
Dennis Mersereau · 02/07/15 02:20PMIn a rare move yesterday, the Brazilian Navy's weather division declared a swirling storm off the southeastern coast of Brazil (near São Paulo) a subtropical storm named Bapo. Tropical and subtropical cyclones in the South Atlantic Ocean are relatively rare, with only a hundred or so recorded in the past sixty years.
Active Weekend Promises Heavy Northeast Snow, More West Coast Rain
Dennis Mersereau · 02/06/15 04:41PMAs we make our way into the sixth weekend of the year, the weather is getting pretty active on either end of the United States. The west is basking in some much-needed rain, while the northeast is getting ready for yet another snowstorm this weekend, all while residents of Denver are wearing shorts.
Weather Balloon Launched by One NWS Office Lands Near Another
Dennis Mersereau · 02/05/15 09:01PMFrozen Tundra Formerly Called the Northeast Braces for Weekend Snowstorm
Dennis Mersereau · 02/05/15 05:05PMModels are showing yet another multi-day winter storm in the Northeast this weekend. Accumulations could reach double-digits by Monday night, and that might not even be the worst thing to happen next week. We could see "Dennis Quaid hiking up I-95 to save Jake Gyllenhaal" levels of cold around Valentine's Day. Isn't winter fun?
Dennis Mersereau · 02/05/15 01:11PM
Today is National Weatherperson's Day (which is a real thing), celebrating John Jeffries' birthday. Jeffries was one of the country's (then-colonies') first meteorologists, and he'd have been 270 years young today. The day is celebrated by showering weather geeks with gifts. I like chocolate-covered cherries, thanks.
Today's Crappy Weather as Told Through Haikus
Dennis Mersereau · 02/04/15 02:20PMHeavy Rain Set to Drench Drought-Stricken West Coast This Week
Dennis Mersereau · 02/03/15 02:47PMThree days after San Francisco went through January without measuring a drop of rain for the first time in 165 years, it looks like a storm system roaring in from the tropics is set to produce immense precipitation on the West Coast over the next seven days. Heavy rain is likely at lower elevations, while mountain peaks could see some hefty snows.
Dennis Mersereau · 01/27/15 06:28PM
The Blizzard of 2015 was Boston's third largest snowstorm on record, with at least 26.0" at the airport. New York reported 9.8" in Central Park, 11.4" at LaGuardia, 10.7" at JFK, and 11.8" at the Bronx Zoo. Southampton (on eastern Long Island) saw 28.8" of snow. The big winner/loser was 35.0" in Acton, Massachusetts.
Why NYC's "Historic" Blizzard Didn't Live up to the Hype
Dennis Mersereau · 01/27/15 10:51AMIf you woke up this fine Tuesday morning to find much less snow than forecasters predicted, you're likely one of the thousands of angry people sprinting to the computer to voice your outrage—outrage!!!—that those lowlife, idiotic, goodfernothin' meteorologists can't get anything right. Here's why you're wrong.
Dennis Mersereau · 01/26/15 10:07PM
This beast of a nor'easter looks incredible on infrared satellite imagery this evening, and the storm is only in its infancy. Conditions will rapidly deteriorate in locations that haven't gone down hill already. Locations caught under the deformation zone (heaviest persistent bands) will see two or more feet. Stay safe and enjoy.
What You Need to Know About Today's "Crippling" Blizzard: Monday Update
Dennis Mersereau · 01/26/15 06:45AMAfter a short night of restless sleep, it appears that forecasters are still predicting the end of the world in the Northeast this evening. If you haven't panicked yet, you have several hours to do so before it's too late. Hug your children. Hoard booze. This is not a drill. Here's what you need to know to make it through the storm.
NWS: NYC Is About to See a "Crippling and Potentially Historic Blizzard"
Dennis Mersereau · 01/25/15 04:04PMThe National Weather Service just issued a blizzard warning for the entire coast of the Northeast from southeastern New Jersey through Maine in anticipation of whiteout conditions as this week's "crippling and potentially historic blizzard" ramps up. Anyone who ventures out during the height of the storm will face life-threatening conditions.
Major Blizzard Set to Dump Feet of Snow on New York City and Boston
Dennis Mersereau · 01/25/15 12:59PMAll signs point to a significant blizzard in the Northeast on Monday night and Tuesday, with major cities like New York and Boston probably measuring snow in feet by the time the storm clears out. If the forecast pans out, this will be one of the most significant winter storms we've seen in quite a few years.
Dennis Mersereau · 01/24/15 03:12PM
Rumors are running rampant about a potential blizzard in the Northeast on Tuesday. The last two runs of the European model produce a crippling snowfall across heavily populated areas. I'm going to wait until tomorrow afternoon's model runs before I dive in and start sounding the alarm, but area residents should get ready just in case.
Weather Radar Captures Impressive Snow Swirl Over Northern Plains
Dennis Mersereau · 01/24/15 12:27PMIf you happened to check the weather radar out of Aberdeen, South Dakota before sunrise last Wednesday (who didn't?), you saw an incredible and unusual sight: a small, spiraling cyclone of snow racing southeast. The swirl almost looks like a small tropical cyclone, with an eye and everything. Here's a look at how the impressive feature formed.
Programming Note
Dennis Mersereau · 01/23/15 07:19PMThe Vane will go quiet from Monday, January 26, until Monday, February 2, so I can take a week off to figure out new and exciting ways to hype boring weather. As always, I'll have coverage if there are pressing matters like a sharknado or if the Senate decides to vote on whether or not the Earth is flat.
What Is a "Trace" of Snow?
Dennis Mersereau · 01/23/15 05:06PMHere's What You Need to Know About This Weekend's East Coast Snowstorm
Dennis Mersereau · 01/23/15 03:03PMA snow and ice storm will disrupt travel in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast tonight and tomorrow, but it's nothing abnormal for this time of the year. However, "nothing abnormal" doesn't mean crap when you're sliding sideways into a ditch on I-95. Here's what you need to know to stay ahead of this weekend's weather.