January 2019 Climate Summary Now Available

Extreme Cold to End the Month

Despite near normal temperatures for the month on the whole, a significant cold event impacted the Northern Plains and Midwest at the end of January. On the 29th-30th, an Arctic air mass settled over the region, and bitterly cold temperatures were observed. Gusty winds created dangerous wind chills, particularly throughout the eastern Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and northern portions of Iowa and Illinois. The extreme wind chills prompted the widespread closure of schools, universities, and state and local governments, and the U.S. Postal Service even suspended mail delivery for many areas. Numerous shelters were opened in communities so that people could take refuge from the cold. Unfortunately, several fatalities occurred. In Chicago, warming buses were used to support grounds crew at the airports, and Amtrak cancelled train service to and from the city for two days. The presence of snow and gusty winds created blowing snow that lowered visibility, impeding travel in many areas. Numerous traffic accidents were reported, causing injuries and a few fatalities. In northeastern North Dakota, the North Dakota Highway Patrol issued a No Travel Advisory due to blowing snow.

Other than the extreme cold, the other big story of the month was January precipitation helped boost snowpack in Colorado. Ski resorts were enjoying extra business this year, especially compared to last year when the lack of snow caused many resorts to close. According to the Telluride Daily Planet, the Telluride Ski Resort has reported 181.0 inches (460 cm) of snowfall so far this ski season. While many people feel like the drought is over in Colorado, it is important to remember that there are many lingering impacts. For instance, while the snowpack season has been plentiful so far, dry soils are likely to absorb a lot of moisture when the snow melts, which may decrease spring runoff. Decreased spring runoff has negative implications for water supply, as reservoirs are severely depleted from the drought and will take a lot of water to be replenished. Suffice it to say, lasting drought impacts may not be realized in Colorado until this spring.

For more information on temperature, precipitation, and impacts from climate in January in the High Plains region, please see the link to the full PDF of the summary: https://hprcc.unl.edu/climatesummaries.php