Winter is right around the corner. Adam from North Liberty has a Good Question: “Is the weather this summer similar to the summer weather before the Blizzard of '78? If so, what would that mean for this winter's weather?”

Chief Meteorologist Rick Mecklenburg has the answer.

Blizzard of '78

The winter of 1977-78 remains our most intense winter on record. An amazing 178" of snow fell that winter, thanks in large part to the blizzard that hit in late January. Much of the Midwest was at a standstill for days.

So, is there any chance of a repeat this winter?

I decided to compare the summer of 2008 with that of 1977.

Rainfall

Starting with rainfall, there really isn't a comparison. In the summer of 1977, there was 14.20" of rain. This summer, in contrast, there was only 7.12", or about half the 1977 total.

Temperatures

However, when temperatures are compared, it is very similar. The average temperature in the summer of 1977 was 71.0 degrees. This summer, the average temperature was 71.2 degrees, so very close indeed.

Conclusion

It's a little early to be definitive about this winter, but I am leaning toward a harsh winter. Part of the reason I think that is last winter was cold and snowy, as was the second half of the winter before that.

Winter Forecast

Of course, I will have my annual winter forecast in a few weeks. Last winter, it was just 7 inches short.