The winter season in the White Mountain region of New Hampshire is a time where the area has great opportunity to show its true colors. Many flock to this area to enjoy the sports and beauty that accompany it. Whether it is downhill skiing or taking a scenic drive, everyone has a chance to unwind. However, Mother Nature needs to supply the mechanics for area that supports snow accumulation, snow cover, and cold temperatures.
Nature seems to have gotten lazy over the last ten to twenty years in supplying the area with the normal criteria. Sure, there have been winters that have supplied memorable snows and cold weather, but the majority of the winter seasons since the 1980s have produce, at times, mild weather and little precipitation. The first half of this winter season in North Conway and surrounding areas has been noticeably milder as well. Temperatures ranged five to ten degrees above normal during November and December 2001, as January 2002 looks to continue the streak. In fact, December was the warmest month on record. What about snowfall? November and December produced accumulations below normal with a thirteen-inch deficit. However, January has lived up to its name as around 22 inches of snow has accumulated up to January 30, but warm temperatures have created the snow to melt after the events.
You may ask, what is causing the warm weather? Many scientists and weather hobbyists have concluded four main theories. The first and most accepted theory in this world is global warming. Since the sun's energy controls the climate and weather on this earth, the earth then radiates some of this energy into space. It is naturally trapped due to the greenhouse effect. However, since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, many gasses have been, and continue to be, trapped in the atmosphere, which enhances the greenhouse effect and traps more heat. A similar theory by some is that the more urban districts that develop upon this earth, will then result in more heat because of the buildings.
El Nino and La Nina could have an affect upon the climate. However, a system known as the Pineapple Express could be the culprit to the warm weather this time around. The storm produces devastating rains from its origin in Hawaii and into the Pacific Northwest. Though not a welcomed sight in that area of the country, it has a positive affect upon the eastern United States. The Pineapple Express pulls warm air into the Northwest, which creates a trough in the east and ridge in the west. Cold air and a moisture filled atmosphere are then able to build upon this area. Since the storm has not made many, if any appearances this winter, this could be the reason as to why the region has scene warm temperatures, while the west has scene cold temperatures.
Whether one chooses to believe in global warming, urbanization affect, El Nino, La Nina or the Pineapple Express, there is no doubt in one's mind that this winter has produced warm temperatures. The continued streak of mild temperatures and melting snows helps many to not take the snow and its beauty for granted.