A Snowy Christmas Eve???

Snow in the Forecast?
Flurries in the forecast? What are snow squalls? Here's a helpful list of the many terms used when snow is on the way.

“Flurries” means that light snow will fall for short durations. No real accumulation or only a light dusting is expected when flurries are predicted.

“Snow showers ” means that snow will fall at varying intensities for brief periods of time. Accumulation (usually not a lot) is possible.

“Snow squalls” describes brief, intense snow showers accompanied by strong, gusty winds. Snow accumulations may be significant. Snow squalls are best known in the Great Lakes region of the country.

“Blowing snow” is exactly as it sounds—wind-driven snow that reduces visibility and can cause significant drifting. Blowing snow can be either snow that is falling or snow that is already on the ground and is being picked up by the wind.

“Blizzard” describes a time when winds over 35 mph accompanied by snow and blowing snow are expected. During blizzards visibility is reduced to near zero.

Some weather watchers look at snow to see what the temperature is above, where the weather is brewing.There is a belief that dry snowflakes mean that the atmosphere is moderately cold, while damp flakes means that temperatures are on the rise. From this observation, comes this weather lore:
Cut a snowball in half: Wet center means rain; Dry center can only be melted by the sun.
What about the size of snowflakes?
The size doesn't seem to really foretell anything about the weather, however it's interesting to note that no one really seems to know how big a snowflake can get. Snowflakes are actually collections of many snow crystals. On average, a snowflake is usually less than one-half inch across; however, under certain weather conditions, snowflakes can be much larger, close to two inches across.

All this talk about snow reminds me of last Christmas Eve. We had a big snowfall and couldn't get out of our driveway. We had made plans with my side of the family for Christmas Eve and couldn't get there. Here we sat with appetizers, presents, and a longing to go and celebrate with my family. We ended up staying home and getting together later. It's hard to make plans in the winter, what with our Northern Illinois weather. We plan our Christmas for a month ahead...all the decisions on what each person would like then..shopping, wrapping, buying just one more thing to "even out." (you Mom's know what I mean.) Then when we get the weather report...what do we do? We fret and fuss and (some think obsess) about it. There's really nothing that we can do. We have to go with the flow....ahem..snow. We are getting older and are in our 70's and have no business being on the roads in a snowstorm. You know those people who drive so slow and drive you crazy...that's us. That's why today...hearing the forecast for Christmas Eve...Joe and I may travel to our kid's houses and drop off the gifts. That way they will be able to open ours...IF IT SNOWS!!!

Balisha

Just talked to my son...We aren't taking the gifts today. In talking about it...I realized that I really want to be there to see them open our gifts and celebrate together...even if it's later. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed.

Balisha again