It Has to Snow Again, Right?

The last time that BWI airport recorded over an inch of snow in a single storm was almost two years ago in January, 2022. But if you’ve been paying attention to the recent winter predictions for the area, you have to think that things will improve. Personally, I will be skeptical right up until I’m shoveling my driveway, but after reading some of the more respected forecast predictions, it’s tough to not feel a twinge of optimism. For starters, the Pacific Ocean has finally transitioned from a three-year, stubborn and cruddy La Nina, to an El Nino. And though an El Nino does not mean that we are guaranteed snow, some of our better winters have been when the Pacific is in this state. Moreover, many meteorologists are comparing this El Nino to some of our better winter patterns like, yes, I daresay, 2009 – 2010. That winter was obviously special and we shouldn’t expect anything like that, but if we do get a big snow events they generally occur more frequently in El Nino years. That winter was was made even more special because of the December blizzard the week before winter break. Our big blizzards usually happen in late January and February, but December, 2009, was the exception to that soft rule. The point is that in spite of my bitterness regarding the past several winters, there is reason to be hopeful. And with the holiday season within site, a time of the year when we are filled with delusional hope for stress-free family gatherings and piles of snow for the holidays, what better time to bring back the 17th Annual Weather Mill Snow Contest? There was no winner last year, so the co-defending champs are still Andrea Katkow and Alessandra Ciccone. Entering is easy. Simply follow the link and pick the day and time that you think the first one inch snow of the year will occur at BWI airport. I will take submissions through Thanksgiving weekend, Sunday, November 26. For the sake of transparency, my pick is December 8, 6AM, but as always, don’t read anything into it as I have clearly demonstrated that I have no idea what I’m doing.

Good luck to all!

Snow Contest Entry 2023-2024

Here is the complete list of past winners:

2022 – 2023 No winner

2021 – 2022 Andrea Katkow and Alessandra Ciccone

2020 – 2021 Kristin Taylor

2019 – 2020 Matt Berkowitz, Tiffany Carmean, and Stacy Cashmark

2018 – 2019 Stacy Cashmark

2017 – 2018 Rigged event

2016 – 2017 Sue Carlson

2015 – 2016  Carol A. Collins

2014 – 2015  Zenon Fernandes and Martin Vandenberge

2013 – 2014  Margaret Hunt

2012 – 2013  Katie Lovell

2011 – 2012  Frank Eastham

2010 – 2011  Pat Pecor

2009 – 2010  Barb Gilmartin and Carrie Quintavalla

2008 – 2009  Carol A. Collins

2007 – 2008  Carla Stocksdale