LEO Network

Winter Temperature: Forecasts and Reality

20 December 2021
Reflection

Chistochina, Alaska, United States

Wilson Justin writes:

It is around 4 above and overcast. No wind and overcast. The forecast from several days ago postulated below zero temp to about 11 below. So far in the past month the predictions have been about 45 per cent correct on the ground level here. The temp swings aren't that serious if you are a trapper unless river running, in which case hidden leads and slush are a serious question. In essence the weather forecast speak to a range of temp while the ground runner needs a steady not moving place holder over a week or so to avoid potential catastrophe out here. Luckily climate change and out door travel is no longer in the mix, meaning there are fewer and fewer rural residents running around on lakes and rivers. There are invisible open lead here and there on the Chistochina but may freeze over maybe not by new years. These observations may be dismissed on the basis of random thoughts or occasional touches in the wild, but in reality the constant temperature gradient of above the forecast simply states the obvious. It warms quickly, stays warmer longer and the medium is always a few degrees off even in cold spikes. In essence an error of a 10 feet a mile doesn't matter much if you drive you the neighborhood 30 miles a day. But it means a bunch if one is driving from Prudhoe Bay to Tiera Del Fuego at the tip of South America.