Winter is Coming!

Like Groundhog Day, it’s back! Yes, Winter is Coming! Winter technically starts December 1st climatologically, but not until December 21st astronomically. That said, a cold front is sweeping through the southeastern US in a cascade of plunging temperatures not seen since, um, March. So what should you do?

Like most weather or other natural events, it depends on where you live and what your vulnerabilities are. Remember that you can go to the National Weather Service web site, click on the map, and get very detailed forecasts for your exact location. Most of what follows goes without saying, yet from taking a quick glance at the coverage, unfortunately it does need to be said once again. To start with, here on the coast, we have lots of “microclimates” – areas where the weather, especially temperatures, can vary a lot from the average. The gradient along the coast this time of year can be especially sharp …

So, while it may be below freezing at 26F inland in Effingham, Statesboro, or Fort Stewart/Hinesvill area, at the airport 27F, closer to the coast where the water mitigates temperature swings it will only drop into the mid 30’s. The forecast for tonight (Tuesday/Wednesday) is lower 30’s (briefly 33 F or so) in town, and only 35 or 36 on the Islands. So as you can see while the inland areas are a “Warning” (freezing temperatures expected), the immediate coast is only a “Watch” (freezing temperatures possible). Also note the duration – that’s almost as important as the temperatures in terms of impacts.

So what does this mean? Inland, consider protecting or bring in delicate plants. Really no need for pipe dripping and that sort of thing, the ground and structure temperatures are still quite warm so the chances of pipes freezing are pretty slim. Along the coast (inside I-95), probably no need to do anything except covering/bringing in very delicate plants exposed to the sky and wind. That might make you feel better and provide some much needed post-Thanksgiving exercise.

So in brief, consider this a warning that, yes, winter is coming, so check over your house and property to start thinking about what you need to do as the weather turns colder. And, yes, go check your downloads and image folders for memes to post on social media. 😛 …