Frosty February

Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

Just when it began to appear that spring might be around the corner, Old Man Winter descended, again, upon East Tennessee with a reminder that the changing of the season does not occur for more than a month. Snow fell around the area this week, causing slippery driving for some while others received barely a dusting. Though making a proper snowman was difficult due to the powdery consistency of the snowfall, there was enough of an impact on travel to close local schools for a mid week break.

On the hills of the wintry blast of precipitation came dropping temperatures. With wind chills hovering in the single digits and the thermometer struggling to reach above freezing, some of the coldest air of Winter 2016 made its appearance this week. And, experts are expecting another round of snow to close out the week. For those hoping that a new week will bring a serious warm up, the wait will not be over until later next week. The long holiday weekend looks to be a cold one and yet another round of wintry precipitation is expected to make an appearance early next week.

Snow lovers are getting their fix after a disappointing start to winter this year, where temperatures appeared more springlike than frosty. Those that are now longing for spring and summer can take heart that nothing lasts forever, especially in East Tennessee. Soon the steamy summer days will be upon us and the most recent predictions from the National Weather Service are calling for above average temperature for most of the spring and summer. By the time the dog days of summer arrive, locals may be fondly remembering the frozen days of February.