Indiana’s Weather For Saturday

Mother Nature didn’t send flowers. She sent snow – two to five inches that went straight into the history books. It’s the biggest Valentines Day snow on record in Indy, breaking the old mark of 3.2 from 1970. (A much larger storm with considerable drifting was wrapping up Valentines Day 2007, but most of the snow fell on the 13th.)

The snow was intense: Indy was slammed with just under two inches between 1 and 2pm. Two inches was the entire amount in Lafayette and Muncie, and three inches accumulated in Richmond. Greenwood had 5.5 inches, and Carmel made it to 2.6 inches. The idea of more snow south and less snow north was correct, but amounts were higher than forecast. You don’t bring me flowers anymore?

The Indy Airport’s final report Friday was 5.5 inches. That means the total is now 50.6 inches for the “snow year” of July 1-June 30. It’s the snowiest since 1995-96. It’s the fourth snowiest winter season on record and only 7.7 inches away from being THE biggest snow year on record.
1. 58.2″ (1981-82)
2. 57.9″ (1977-78)
3. 51.7″ (1995-96)
4. 50.6″ (2013-14)

IF you just count “meteorological winter” (December-February) we are already almost to the number one spot:
1. 51.0″ (1981-82)
2. 50.5″ (2013-14)

I prefer counting the entire snow season, since November or March snow doesn’t necessarily weigh any less when you are shoveling it.

Speaking of shoveling it: time to try and figure out the forecast. Single digit temperatures are back with a vengeance this morning where skies have cleared. I’m pleased to say this should be the last of the singles for at least a week. Clouds will thicken this afternoon, and snow will come with a clipper tonight. One to two inches is expected. Stop me if you’ve heard this before.

Sunday looks pretty decent. Rain is likely Monday, with a wintry mix possible in the morning that could make for yet another slippery commute. Quiet weather – with mild temperatures – Tuesday and Wednesday. And then? The warmest day of the year so far on Thursday.