Boston Winter
We are well into December and the onset of winter here in New England, which means the temperature has dropped below freezing (except for the occasional warm front) and the snow has started to fall. This is a time of year that divides the locals between those who embrace winter weather (skiers and outdoor enthusiasts) and those who hunker down and wait for spring. Fortunately, by the time the IMS rolls around the weather will certainly have warmed up and the snow will be replaced by blossoming flowers and birds. For this month’s IMS Insider, we share some scenes from New England’s past winters and share some thoughts on the local weather come June.
This particular winter marks the 30th (or is it 31st) anniversary of perhaps one of the most spectacular storms to ever hit the Boston area – The Blizzard of 78. This was a severe storm (known as a nor’easter) that brought blizzard conditions to the entire New England region. The Blizzard of 1978 formed on February 5, 1978, and broke up on February 8, 1978. Snowfall occurred primarily between the morning of the 6th and the evening of the 7th. Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts were particularly hard hit by this storm. In all, up to 55 inches (140 cm) fell in some areas. The Blizzard of 1969, the Great Blizzard of 1888, and The Great Snow of 1717 were storms that were similar in their magnitude as this one.
The Blizzard of 1978, exactly how bad was it?
Both Boston and Providence recorded all-time highs for 24-hour and storm snowfall records leaving many people without heat, water, food, and electricity for over a week after the storm finished. Perhaps the event and the aftermath of a week without life’s necessities is why New Englanders today still descend upon the grocery, hardware and liquor stores in droves whenever big snow storms are predicted.
Approximately 10,000 people were forced to temporarily move into emergency shelters. Some 2,500 houses were reported seriously damaged or destroyed and 54 people were killed, often the result of fallen electric wires. Several people were found dead in downtown Providence, Rhode Island, particularly in the vicinity of the central police station, who may have died trying to seek shelter. A young child in Massachusetts disappeared in the snow just feet from his home's front door, but could not be found until the snow melted.
The majority of the interstate system had to be shut down, with some stretches not reopening to traffic until the following week. Air and rail traffic also had to be shut down until the situation cleared up. Plows were hampered by the unprecedented rate at which the snow fell or was blown into the roads by the high winds and by the number of cars stuck on the roads because of the heavy snow. In Boston, much of the snow had to be hauled and dumped in the harbor.
A state of emergency was declared by governors in the affected states and the United States National Guard was called out to help clear the roads. Additional troops were flown into Boston to assist. It took six days to clear the roads as cars and trucks buried under the snow needed to be removed before they could be opened. The blizzard brought out a feeling of camaraderie, as it affected everyone equally. Neighbors assisted each other, using sleds to transport elderly persons and helping to deliver groceries for those in need. Governor Ella Grasso ordered all roads in Connecticut closed except for emergency travel, effectively shutting down the state for three days; Governor Michael Dukakis of Massachusetts did the same.
The actual weather come time for the IMS is anyone’s guess at this point, but as they say – “if you don’t like the weather in New England, wait five minutes”. The last time IMS was in Boston, the town was hit with a week of unseasonably cool temperatures, bleak skies and plenty of rain. (Think San Francisco in the summer).
The Farmer’s Almanac makes the following long-term prediction:
Despite a mild November, this winter will be colder and snowier than normal, with near or above-normal precipitation. The coldest temperatures will occur in mid-December, early January, and early February. The snowiest periods will be in early and mid-December, early January, early and late February, and early March.
April will be slightly cooler than normal, with near-normal rainfall. May will be very warm and dry. Below-normal rainfall will continue through the summer, with the threat of a significant drought. The one benefit from a late August hurricane would be some much-needed rainfall. Temperatures will be below normal, on average, with the hottest periods in June and mid-July.
So there you have it. If you believe the Almanac, we are in for a nice conference weather-wise. The prudent attendee will pack an outer jacket or sweater and remember an umbrella, just in case!