:2018–19 North American winter

{{Infobox winter

| meteo = December 1 – February 28

| astro = December 21 – March 20

| year = 2018

| notable event = March 2019 North American blizzard

| event duration = March 8–16, 2019

| maxsnow = {{convert|52|in|cm|abbr=on}} (Wolf Creek Pass, Colorado)

| event = March 8–16, 2019

| image = North america polar vortex january 2019.webm

| caption = Temperatures plummeting across North America in late January 2019

|Fatalities = 52 total

}}

The 2018–19 North American winter was unusually cold within the Northern United States, with frigid temperatures being recorded within the middle of the season. Several notable events occurred, such as a rare snow in the Southeast in December, a strong cold wave and several major winter storms in the Midwest, and upper Northeast and much of Canada in late January and early February, record snowstorms in the Southwest in late February, deadly tornado outbreaks in the Southeast and a historic mid-April blizzard in the Midwest, but the most notable event of the winter was a record-breaking bomb cyclone that affected much of the Central United States and Canada in mid-March. Unlike previous winters, a developing weak El Niño was expected to influence weather patterns across North America. Overall, however, winter of 2018–19 had many La Niña like conditions, being mild along the mid- and lower parts of the East Coast, the West Coast, and most of the southern Plains. Overall, the meteorological winter of 2018-19 became the wettest on record for the United States.[https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/national-climate-201902 Wettest winter on record for the contiguous United States], National Centers for Environmental Information

While there is no well-agreed-upon date used to indicate the start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, there are two definitions of winter which may be used. Based on the astronomical definition, winter begins at the winter solstice, which in 2018 occurred on December 21, and ends at the March equinox, which in 2019 occurred on March 20.{{cite web|title=Earth's Seasons: Equinoxes, Solstices, Perihelion, and Aphelion, 2000-2025 |url=http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/EarthSeasons.php |publisher=United States Naval Observatory |date=March 27, 2015 |access-date=August 15, 2015 |location=Washington, D.C. |format=PHP |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150831000837/http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/EarthSeasons.php |archive-date=August 31, 2015 |url-status=dead }} Based on the meteorological definition, the first day of winter is December 1 and the last day February 28.{{cite web|title=Meteorological vs. Astronomical Seasons|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/news/meteorological-versus-astronomical-summer%E2%80%94what%E2%80%99s-difference|publisher=NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information|date=June 21, 2013|access-date=July 3, 2015}} Both definitions involve a period of approximately three months, with some variability. Winter is often defined by meteorologists to be the three calendar months with the lowest average temperatures. Since both definitions span the calendar year, it is possible to have a winter storm in two different years.

Seasonal forecasts

{{multiple image

| width = 200

| image1 = US temp outlook winter 2018–19 NOAA.png

| caption1 = Temperature outlook

| image2 = US precip outlook winter 2018–19 NOAA.png

| caption2 = Precipitation outlook

| caption_align = center

}}

On October 18, 2018, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center released its U.S. Winter Outlook. The outlook noted a 70 to 75% chance of El Niño developing. CPC Deputy Director Mike Halpert specified that development was expected to occur by late fall to early winter. He added that while the El Niño was expected to be weak, it still had the potential to bring drier conditions to the northern United States and wetter conditions to the southern U.S. The outlook also noted the potential for the Arctic oscillation to bring colder-than-average conditions to the eastern U.S. and the possibility of the Madden–Julian oscillation contributing to heavy-precipitation events along the West Coast. The temperature outlook favored warmer-than-normal conditions across the northern and western U.S. with the highest probabilities from the Pacific Northwest to the northern Plains and in Alaska. Such conditions were also favored in Hawaii. The outlook also noted that the Tennessee and Ohio Valleys, the Mid-Atlantic region, and the U.S. Southeast had equal chances of either above-, below-, or near-average temperatures. The outlook did not delineate any areas likely to experience below-average conditions. The precipitation outlook noted an elevated probability of wetter-than-average conditions across the southern tier of the United States and along the eastern U.S. up to the Mid-Atlantic. Drier conditions were favored in parts of the northern Rockies and northern Plains, northern Ohio Valley, and Great Lakes regions. The drought outlook mentioned a high likelihood for drought conditions to persist across parts of the southwestern U.S., southern California, the central Great Basin, the central Rockies, the northern Plains, and parts of the interior Pacific Northwest. Drought conditions were favored to improve in the central Plains, the coastal Pacific Northwest, southern portions of Colorado and Utah, and in various areas in both Arizona and New Mexico.{{cite news|title=Winter Outlook favors warmer temperatures for much of U.S.: Wet southern states to contrast drought in West|url=https://www.noaa.gov/media-release/winter-outlook-favors-warmer-temperatures-for-much-of-us|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=October 18, 2018|access-date=October 18, 2018}}

Events

= Mid-November winter storm =

File:2018-11-15 08 21 08 A snow and sleet covered Sugar Maple along Stone Heather Drive in the Franklin Farm section of Oak Hill, Fairfax County, Virginia.jpg

An early season winter storm developed in a deep dive of the jet stream into the mid-south on November 13. In Monroe, Louisiana {{convert|0.4|in|cm}} of snow accumulated on the morning of November 14, breaking the record for the earliest snowfall by 10 days. In Mississippi light snow was reported in Greenville, sleet in Tupelo and Memphis, Tennessee picked up {{convert|0.6|in|cm}} of snow. Meanwhile, in Ohio, ice accumulations of one-quarter to one-third of an inch were reported in Cincinnati and Dayton metros as well as parts of Northern and Central Kentucky. A general {{convert|2|to|5|in|cm|0|abbr=off}} of snow fell in the St. Louis metro with isolated reports of {{convert|9|in|cm}}. On November 15, as the storm headed northeastward, an unexpected 6.4 inches (~16.2 cm) of snow fell in Central Park, which became their earliest six inch snowfall on record, as well as their second largest November winter storm on record,[https://weatherworksinc.com/news/november-2018-northeast-snow-storm Looking Back At The November 2018 Snowstorm In The Northeast], Weather Works, November 9, 2021 which caught many off guard and resulting in several hour-long commutes that night.{{Cite web|url=https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/2018-11-14-winter-storm-avery-snow-ice-east-midwest-south|title=Winter Storm Avery Dumps Heavy Early Season Snow in the Northeast and Stops New York City in its Tracks (METEOROLOGICAL RECAP)|website=The Weather Channel|access-date=2019-02-22}} This was considered by some as one of New York City's worst commutes, as some were over ten hours, and New Jersey reported 555 car crashes.[https://www.nj.com/news/2018/11/441_crashes_closed_bridges_turn_evening_rush_into_snowlocked_mush_as_seasons_first_storm_smacks_nj.html 555 crashes, impassable roads turn evening rush into snowlocked mush as season's first storm smacks N.J.], Nj.com, November 15, 2018[https://www.huffpost.com/entry/snowstorm-new-york-new-jersey_n_5bee5ee1e4b0510a1f2f64cc COMMUTE FROM HELL: Snowstorm Cripples NYC Area With 10-Hour Traffic Nightmare], Huffington Post, November 16, 2018 Further north, the Toronto area received {{convert|10|–|15|cm|in|round=0.5|abbr=on}} of snow, leading to significant delays. In New Jersey, a person died due to the storm in a traffic related incident.{{cite news |title=The New York Area Was Nearly Paralyzed by 6 Inches of Snow. What Went Wrong? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/16/nyregion/snowstorm-total-delays-commute.html |access-date=July 4, 2022 |work=New York Times |date=November 16, 2018}} Two others died, and 44 were injured, when a bus was overturned in Mississippi.[https://www.actionnews5.com/2018/11/14/tour-bus-overturns-desoto-county/ Victims identified after Tunica-bound tour bus overturns on slick Mississippi highway], Action 5 News, November 15, 2018 Eight others died, including three in Arkansas, two in Michigan, and one each in Maryland, Ohio and Indiana.[https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/2018-11-14-winter-storm-avery-impacts Winter Storm Avery Causes Chaotic Commutes, Strands Students at School Overnight, Kills 11 on Slick Roads], The Weather Channel, February 13, 2019 In addition, around 190,000 customers lost power as the storm moved through,[https://www.cbsnews.com/news/winter-storm-northeast-slammed-with-early-snow-latest-weather-forecast-live-updates-2018-11-15/ "Definitely not ready for this weather": Early winter storm slams Northeast with snow], CBS News, November 15, 2018 with 1,615 flights being cancelled as well.[https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/todayinthesky/2018/11/15/flight-delays-cancellations-airlines-waive-fees-thursday-flights/2009876002/ Snow! Airlines cancel flights, waive change fees for winter storm], USA Today, November 16, 2018 The melted snow from this storm made 2018 the wettest year on record in Baltimore.[https://www.wbaltv.com/article/rainfall-breaks-record-making-2018-wettest-year-in-baltimore/25171084 Rainfall breaks record, making 2018 wettest year in Baltimore], WBALTV, November 16, 2018 The colder air that helped make the snow more intense then originally forecasted also led to daily record lows in Massena, New York, Montpelier, Vermont, Caribou, Maine and Bangor, Maine.[https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/2018-11-16-why-winter-storm-avery-brought-more-snow-northeast-new-york-city Why Winter Storm Avery Produced More Snow Than Expected In the New York City Area], The Weather Channel, November 16, 2018

= Late November blizzard =

A winter storm named Bruce by the weather channel formed over the Pacific Northwest on November 23 and tracked into the interior Northeast by November 27. Snow caused a 20 vehicle pile-up in Colorado on Interstate 70, and Interstate 80 in Southeastern Wyoming had to be shut down due to heavy snow and strong winds. The storm snarled traffic in Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri and parts of Illinois as blizzard conditions were reported in Salina, Kansas towards Independence, Missouri and northwards into Iowa and Illinois. Conditions were so bad that stranded drivers had to be rescued by snowmobile. Nationwide, nearly 3,000 flights were cancelled and 4 have died.{{Cite web|url=https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/2018-11-25-winter-storm-bruce-impacts-travel|title=Winter Storm Bruce: 4 Killed, Nearly 3,000 Flights Canceled|website=The Weather Channel|access-date=2019-02-22}} {{convert|5.8|in|cm}} of snow fell in Kansas City and {{convert|8.4|in|cm}} were reported at O'Hare. In the Quad Cities and Rockford, Illinois, this snowstorm, plus one earlier in the month, made this the snowiest November on record.[https://www.saukvalleyweather.com/record-breaking-blizzard-makes-november-2018-snowiest-on-record/ Record-breaking blizzard makes November 2018 snowiest on record], SaukValleyWeather.com, November 27, 2018 Additionally, as the storm pushed into Upstate New York and Northern New England, over a foot of snow were recorded in some locations.{{Cite web|url=https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/2018-11-22-winter-storm-bruce-midwest-northeast-late-november|title=Winter Storm Bruce Delivers Expansive Swath of Snow From Rockies to Interior Northeast, Including Rare November Blizzard in Plains and Midwest (RECAP)|website=The Weather Channel|access-date=2019-02-22}}

= Early December snowstorm =

A significant winter storm brought snow and ice from Southern plains to the Southeast.{{cite web |last1=weather.com meteorologists |title=Winter Storm Diego To Bring Cross-Country Swath of Snow, Ice From Southern Plains to the Southeast |url=https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/2018-12-05-winter-storm-diego-snow-ice-forecast-southern-plains-appalachians |website=The Weather Channel |publisher=The Weather Channel |access-date=December 6, 2018 |date=December 6, 2018}}{{cite web |last1=Lapin |first1=Tamar |title=Winter Storm Diego set to wreak havoc across the southern US |url=https://nypost.com/2018/12/06/winter-storm-diego-set-to-wreak-havoc-across-the-southern-us/ |website=New York Post |access-date=December 6, 2018 |date=December 6, 2018}} Early on December 8, {{convert|10.5|in|cm|abbr=off}} of snow fell in Lubbock, Texas. Snow fell as south and east as Abilene, Texas. This storm caused thousands of people to lose power and 60 car crashes were reported across the Lubbock area. This was the third time Lubbock has had a double digit snowfall. Only 4 inches were predicted across Lubbock; the residents were shocked to wake up to almost a foot of snow. The storm moved east from Texas and Oklahoma to the Carolinas and Virginia. The storm caused icing across Tennessee and Arkansas as well as some snowfall. Late on December 9, {{convert|1|ft|cm|abbr=off}} of snow or more had fallen in parts of North Carolina and Virginia; both states had declared states of emergency. 240,000 Duke Energy customers had lost power in North Carolina, along with 170,000 more in South Carolina. Appalachian Power had 20,000 without power in Virginia.{{cite news|url=https://www.salisburypost.com/2018/12/09/more-snow-and-sleet-on-the-way-weather-service-says/|title=More snow and sleet on the way, Weather Service says|work=Salisbury Post|date=December 9, 2018|access-date=December 10, 2018}} Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee also had power outages. Charlotte Douglas International Airport had over 1,000 cancellations.{{cite news|url=https://www.journalnow.com/news/state_region/winter-storm-causes-icy-roads-across-swath-of-south/article_aaf36aaf-24e4-5558-9e9a-81a49d4c39f1.html|title=Winter storm causes icy roads across swath of South|agency=Associated Press|work=Winston-Salem Journal|date=December 9, 2018|access-date=December 10, 2018}} Near Winston-Salem, over 16 inches of snow fell, and part of Greensboro, North Carolina received nearly a foot. Three people died in North Carolina.{{cite news|url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article222892500.html|title=Winter storm kills three in NC as 'staggering' amount of snow falls|last1=Shaffer|first1=Josh|last2=Stradling|first2=Richard|work=News & Observer|date=December 10, 2018|access-date=December 12, 2018}} Busick, North Carolina received 34 inches of snow.{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/massive-winter-storm-hits-southeast-leaves-hundreds-thousands-without-power-n945751|title=Massive winter storm kills three, causes travel havoc in the Southeast|work=NBC|date=December 9, 2018|access-date=December 13, 2018}}

= Mid-January winter storm =

A state of emergency was declared in Pennsylvania and New Jersey as a large winter storm made its way to the Northeastern United States. Three people had already been killed in the Midwest.[https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/reports-snowstorm-turns-deadly-in-midwest-as-it-bustles-toward-northeast/70007194 Reports: Snowstorm ramps up in Northeast after turning deadly in Midwest] AccuWeather, January 19, 2019[https://weather.com/news/news/2019-01-17-winter-storm-harper-preparations-impacts-midwest-northeast-new-york Winter Storm Harper: Travel Bans, Flights Canceled; Plane Slides Off O'Hare Runway] The Weather Channel, January 19, 2019 By January 21, over 4,800 flights had been cancelled and 3,000 delayed.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/todayinthesky/2019/01/21/winter-storm-harper-airlines-have-canceled-more-than-4-600-flights/2635902002/|title=Snow fallout: Airlines canceled more than 4,800 flights since Friday|last=Mutzabaugh|first=Ben|work=USA Today|date=January 21, 2019|access-date=January 23, 2019}} Interstate 55 in Missouri was blocked when snow caused 15 vehicles to crash. Snow totals in New York included 10-15 inches in the Albany area, 18-20 inches in the Adirondacks, and a foot of snow in Buffalo. Connecticut had nearly 28,000 lose power, as well as 3,000 in Ohio.{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/live-news/winter-storm-harper-snow-storm-warning-latest-weather-forecast-updates-today-2019-01-20/|title=Winter storm slams east after blanketing Midwest|work=CBS News|date=January 20, 2019|access-date=January 23, 2019}} In Southern Ontario, parts of Hamilton received over {{convert|40|cm|in|round=0.5|abbr=on}} due to lake-effect snow coming off of Lake Ontario. The Toronto area received around {{convert|10|cm|in|round=0.5|abbr=on}}, with {{convert|20|cm|in|round=0.5|abbr=on}} in Montreal.

=Late January–early February cold wave=

File:January 2019 Toronto snowstorm (2).jpg

File:Radar of Jan-28th-2019 Winter storm.gif

A storm, resulting from a polar vortex from the north, brought blizzard conditions and between {{convert|6|and|14|in|cm|0|abbr=off}} of snow to the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes region starting in the late evening hours of January 27, while a separate storm dropped snow over the Southeast. Accumulations reached {{convert|5|in|cm}} in Chicago and Minneapolis, {{convert|7|in|cm}} in Milwaukee, and {{convert|13|in|cm}} in Toronto (with {{convert|4|in|cm}} on the day before with a separate system).[https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/2019-01-26-winter-storm-jayden-forecast-northern-plains-midwest-east-south Winter Storm Jayden Will Spread Snow From Northern Plains to Great Lakes and South; Blizzard Conditions Reported in Northern Plains] The Weather Channel, January 27, 2019

Record-breaking and extreme cold immediately followed the storm as the polar vortex shifted south. Midwestern cities, including Minneapolis, Detroit, Chicago{{Cite web|url=https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2019/01/29/chicago-deep-freeze-danger-extreme-cold-wind-chill-warning/|title=Chicago Weather Forecast: A Deep Freeze Danger Has Extreme Cold Settling In, With Wind Chills Approaching 55 Below At Night|date=January 29, 2019}} and Milwaukee{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbs58.com/news/major-winter-storm-today-then-frigid-rest-of-week|title=Evening Update: A new wind chill advisory has been issued.|website=CBS58}} are under wind chill advisories and severe wind chill warnings with wind chills approaching {{convert|-55|°F|°C}} at night. Chicago area schools, universities, public transportation, and cultural attractions announced closures or reduced schedules during the weather emergency.{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-cold-weather-illinois-universities-closing-20190128-story.html|title=Chicago schools aren't alone in closing during the cold snap. We're keeping track here|first=Katherine|last=Rosenberg-Douglas|website=chicagotribune.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/chicago-weather-what-is-closed-polar-vortex-2019-winter-windchill/|title=Here's everything closing during Chicago's dangerous cold snap}} Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers declared states of emergency due to the record low windchill temperatures.[https://www.wilx.com/content/news/Gov-Whitmer-declares-state-of-emergency-in-Michigan--505006832.html Gov. Whitmer declares state of emergency in Michigan] WILX, January 28, 2019[https://www.jsonline.com/story/weather/2019/01/28/wisconsin-snowstorm-milwaukee-wakes-up-blizzard-like-conditions/2698625002/ Road conditions deteriorating rapidly as Evers declares a state of emergency and frigid temperatures move in] Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, January 28, 2019 At least 22 people had reportedly died due to the cold wave as of January 31, 2019.[https://www.nbcnews.com/news/weather/relief-coming-blast-chilled-midwest-not-until-after-another-record-n965136 Relief coming for blast-chilled Midwest, but not until after another record-low day] NBC News, January 30, 2019

=Mid-February storm complex=

Another storm began on February 11, with some areas in the Midwestern and Northeastern United States expected to receive up to {{convert|12|in|cm}} of snow in the upcoming days, as well as parts of Ontario and Quebec expected to receive {{convert|14|in|cm}}.[https://www.nbcnews.com/news/weather/snowstorms-expected-bring-travel-woes-power-issues-midwest-northeast-n969966 Snowstorms expected to bring travel woes, power issues to Midwest, Northeast] NBC News, February 11, 2019 In Toronto, all schools were closed on February 12 in anticipation of the storm.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theweathernetwork.com/news/articles/ontario-snow-storm-school-closures-bus-cancellations-greater-toronto-area/124236|title=News – School closures and cancellations across the GTA – The Weather Network|website=theweathernetwork.com|access-date=2019-02-21}} The city saw up to {{convert|15|cm|in|round=0.5|abbr=on}} of snow followed by sleet and freezing rain. Ice and snow in Chicago resulted in 70,000 ComEd power outages.{{cite news|url=https://abc7chicago.com/weather/live-radar-ice-storm-creates-slick-conditions-across-area-/5133901/|title=Chicago Weather: Ice causes crashes, power outages, slick surfaces in Chicago area|author1=Jessica D'Onofrio |author2=Diane Pathieu |author3=Evelyn Holmes |author4=Michelle Gallardo |author5=Liz Nagy|work=WLS-TV|date=February 12, 2019|access-date=February 14, 2019}} The storm's maximum snowfall accumulation was {{convert|26.5|in|cm}}, which fell near Negaunee, Michigan. Ice secretion peaked at half an inch north of Toledo, Ohio.{{Cite web|url=https://weather.com/safety/winter/news/2019-02-07-winter-storm-maya-seattle-portland-midwest-east-snow-ice-forecast|title=Winter Storm Maya: Early February Snowmaker from Washington to Wisconsin and New England (RECAP)|website=The Weather Channel|access-date=2019-03-13}}

=Early March nor'easter=

{{see also|Tornado outbreak of March 3, 2019#Non-tornadic impacts}}

The second storm had formed over the Rockies by March 2 and winter storm warnings were already in place there.{{Cite web|url=https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/2019-03-01-winter-storm-scott-snow-sierra-rockies-ozarks-northeast|title=Winter Storm Scott to Spread a Swath of Snow From California's Sierra to the Plains, Midwest and Northeast This Weekend|website=The Weather Channel|access-date=2019-03-02}} In Colorado, {{convert|16|in|cm}} of snow fell at Estes Park and {{convert|3.7|in|cm}} fell at Denver International Airport. {{convert|13|in|cm}} of snow fell in Squaw Valley, California. As the storm tracked eastward, snow was wreaking havoc on parts of the Four Corner States and the Midwest, closing roads and cancelling over 700 flights.{{Cite web|url=https://weather.com/news/news/2019-03-03-winter-storm-scott-impacts|title=In Midwest, Winter Storm Scott Leaves Multiple Crashes, Road Closures, Flight Cancellations|website=The Weather Channel|access-date=2019-03-03}} Shaping up to be much more intense than the first storm for the US Northeast, The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings from West Virginia to Maine. Closer to the Atlantic coast a mix of rain and snow affected major cities such as Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City and Boston and further south, precipitation was rain, with severe thunderstorms along the cold front in the Deep South,{{Cite web|url=https://m.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/winter-storm-to-blast-95-million-in-northeastern-us-with-heavy-snow-ice-and-rain/70007583|title=Winter storm to blast 95 million in northeastern US with heavy snow, ice and rain – AccuWeather.com|website=m.accuweather.com|access-date=2019-03-02}} resulting in a deadly early-season tornado outbreak in Dixie Alley.{{Cite web|url=http://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/news/article/powerful-system-sweeps-eastern-us-canada-deadly-tornadoes-southern-states-alabama-georgia|title=Deadly tornado outbreak sweeps southeastern U.S.|website=theweathernetwork.com-CA|access-date=2019-03-04}}{{Cite web|url=https://weather.com/news/news/2019-03-03-southern-storm-bring-tornado-warnings|title=Tornado Outbreak Hits South, Killing at Least 23 in Alabama; Children Among the Victims|website=The Weather Channel|access-date=2019-03-04}} The storm also affected Atlantic Canada, although the track of the low was much closer to the shoreline than the previous storm, resulting in mixed precipitation for Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, with heftier snowfall totals in New Brunswick and Newfoundland.{{Cite web|url=http://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/news/article/atlantic-canada-blowing-snow-cold-winds-whiteouts-snow-squalls-texas-low-heavy-snow-strong-winds|title=Another one-two punch for the East Coast as two systems near|website=theweathernetwork.com-CA|access-date=2019-03-02}} {{convert|24|cm|in}} of snow fell in Moncton and winds gusted to {{convert|170|km/h|mph}} in Wreckhouse.{{Cite web|url=http://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/news/article/atlantic-canada-next-winter-system-heavy-snow-ice-freezing-rain-maritimes-newfoundland-blowing-snow-cold|title=Atlantic: Snowy pattern persists after potent winter wallop|website=theweathernetwork.com-CA|access-date=2019-03-05}}

=Mid-March blizzard=

File:March 2019 North American Blizzard 2019-03-13 1401Z.jpg

A Colorado low formed in the southwest and began tracking northeastward, undergoing explosive intensification in the process, bottoming out near 968 millibars over Kansas, meeting the criteria for a bomb cyclone and smashing all-time low pressure records at several towns in New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas and Texas.{{Cite web|url=http://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/news/article/southern-ontario-march-break-weather-incoming-colorado-low-well-above-seasonal-temperatures|title=Ontario: Notorious March Break temp swings join rain, snow|website=theweathernetwork.com-CA|access-date=2019-03-12}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/news/article/colorado-low-weather-bomb-potential-over-kansas-us-midwest-rare-storm|title=Colorado low set to speed into the record books|website=theweathernetwork.com-CA|access-date=2019-03-12}} The pressure of 970.4 millibars in Lamar led to a new statewide low pressure record for Colorado.[https://www.denverpost.com/2020/05/29/colorado-weather-record-pressure-cyclone/ It’s official: Colorado has a new statewide weather record topping the bomb cyclone], Denver Post, May 29, 2020 On March 13 the tight pressure gradient produced widespread wind gusts above {{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}+), with a peak gust of {{convert|109|mph|km/h}} at Grand Prairie,{{Cite web|url=https://weather.com/safety/winter/news/2019-03-13-bomb-cyclone-winter-storm-ulmer|title=Winter Storm Ulmer 'Bombs' Out, Becomes 'Bomb Cyclone'|website=The Weather Channel|access-date=2019-03-13}} strong enough to flip airplanes at the municipal airport there. Along the cold front, a line of severe thunderstorms developed, mainly in Texas, dropping several tornadoes, 2 in New Mexico and 1 in Texas, damaging many homes. A combination of severe weather and strong winds cut power to 140,000 in Texas, mostly near Dallas. The storms also produced baseball-sized hail in many parts of the Southwest.{{Cite web|url=https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/damaging-storms-spawn-tornadoes-in-new-mexico-leave-thousands-without-power-in-texas/70007684|title=Damaging storms spawn tornadoes in New Mexico, leave thousands without power in Texas|website=accuweather.com|access-date=2019-03-14}} As the storm tracked further north, in Ontario, because of the thick snowpack, forecasters were concerned about flooding.{{Cite web|url=http://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/news/article/severe-weather-u-s-tornado-alley-lightning-thunderstorms-funnel-rain-clouds|title=Rare low pressure triggers severe storms in central U.S.|website=theweathernetwork.com-CA|access-date=2019-03-12}} Meanwhile, the storm brought extreme blizzard conditions to the plains, poor visibility closing many interstates from North Dakota to Colorado and just to the south, severe flooding caused billions of dollars in damage. A few notable snowfall totals from this storm include the more than {{convert|50|in|cm}}+) that fell at Wolf Creek pass in Colorado, {{convert|26|in|cm}} that fell just south of Casper and {{convert|18|in|cm}} of snow, falling in Kadoka.{{Cite web|url=https://weather.com/storms/winter/video/winter-storm-ulmer-to-become-a-major-plains-blizzard-with-heavy-snow-and-high-0|title=Winter Storm Ulmer to Become a Major Plains Blizzard|website=The Weather Channel|access-date=2019-03-12}}{{Cite web|url=https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/2019-03-11-winter-storm-ulmer-forecast-west-plains-blizzard-conditions|title=Winter Storm Ulmer Wrapping Up After Blasting the Plains With Blizzard Conditions, High Winds|website=The Weather Channel|access-date=2019-03-15}}

=Mid-April blizzard=

A historic mid-April winter storm produced several feet of snow across the Northern Plains and Midwest, with snowfall rates exceeding 2 inches per hour at times, combined with powerful winds resulted in widespread blizzard conditions. In the previous year, Minneapolis and St Paul had their largest April winter storm on record, although that record may have been challenged.{{Cite web|url=https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/2019-04-08-winter-storm-wesley-plains-blizzard-april|title=Winter Storm Wesley Prompts Blizzard Warnings in the Plains, Upper Midwest|website=The Weather Channel|access-date=2019-04-09}}

Records

= Northern United States =

Numerous records were broken in the United States during the 2018-19 winter.

Autumn was unusually snowy across North America. On October 14, Kansas City recorded their earliest snowfall on record.[https://fox4kc.com/weather/when-could-it-snow-in-kansas-city-heres-what-data-shows/ When could it snow in Kansas City? Here’s what data shows], Fox4KC, October 1, 2022 In the city of Calgary, the snowiest October was reached as early as October 10.[https://globalnews.ca/news/4535941/calgary-snowiest-october/ This is the snowiest October Calgary has ever had — and the month has just begun], Global News, October 11, 2018 North American snow cover in November 2018 also set a record.[https://www.wunderground.com/article/news/weather/news/2018-12-06-north-america-november-record-snow-cover-2018 North America Just Had Its Most Extensive November Snow Cover in at Least a Half-Century], Weather Underground, December 7, 2018 Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania recorded their biggest November snowstorm on record on November 15, 2018.[https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/weather/2018/11/snowvember_lehigh_valley_november_snowfall_records.html #Snowvember to remember: 1 snowstorm puts November 2018 in Lehigh Valley record books], Lehigh Valley Live, November 16, 2018 That storm also resulted in Monroe, Louisiana seeing their earliest first measurable snowfall the day earlier.[https://www.thenewsstar.com/story/news/2018/11/14/monroe-breaks-record-early-snow/1997919002/ Monroe breaks record with early snow], The Star, November 14, 2018 2018 also became the snowiest November on record in Vermont,[https://vtdigger.org/2018/11/30/vermont-breaks-november-snowfall-record/ Vermont breaks November snowfall record], VTDigger, November 30, 2018 as well as John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City.[https://www.nrcc.cornell.edu/services/blog/2018/12/3/index.html A Wet, Cold, & Snowy November], Northeast Regional Climate Center 2018 also saw the coldest ever November temperatures in Mount Washington ({{convert|-26|F|C}}), Syracuse, New York ({{convert|-1|F|C}}), Ithaca, New York ({{convert|-5|F|C}}) LaGuardia Airport ({{convert|17|F|C}}), JFK Airport({{convert|15|F|C}}), and Bridgeport, Connecticut ({{convert|13|F|C}}). The high of {{convert|16|F|C}} in Worcester and {{convert|21|F|C}} in Hartford also broke records for coldest November high temperatures.[https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2018/11/23/northeast-endured-its-most-frigid-thanksgiving-decades-record-cold-persists-black-friday/ The Northeast endured its most frigid Thanksgiving in decades, and record cold persists on Black Friday], Washington Post, November 23, 2018[https://twitter.com/nwsnewyorkny/status/1065997230832799744?s=46&t=nb-6LE4oFIAnSY05dEptow [Record Cold Recap] Here is a summary of records set in the last two days due to the cold temps. Of note are new record lows for the month of November at Bridgeport (13°), JFK (15°) and LGA (17°). Also provided here are updated Top 5 stats for the Thanksgiving at Central Park.], NWS New York, Twitter, November 23, 2018[https://www.14850.com/11238982-record-cold-1811/ 5 below breaks all-time Ithaca record for November], 14850.com, November 23, 2018 This became the coldest November on record in Kansas City.[https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monitoring/monthly-report/national/201811 November 2018 National Climate Report], NOAA NCEI

Several all-time record low temperatures were set during a historic cold wave at the end of January. On January 30, temperatures at the Quad Cities International Airport bottomed out at {{convert|-33|F|C}}, which set an all-time record low.[https://www.kwqc.com/2022/01/31/look-back-historic-cold-jan-29-31-2019/ A look back at the historic cold from Jan. 29-31, 2019], KWQC, January 31, 2022 Other cities that set all-time record lows include Mather, Wisconsin, Rockford, Illinois and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.[https://weather.com/forecast/national/news/2019-01-28-polar-vortex-midwest-arctic-air-coldest-two-decades Polar Vortex Triggers Coldest Arctic Outbreak in at Least Two Decades across Parts of the Midwest], The Weather Channel, February 1, 2019 Temperatures of {{convert|-56|F|C}} in Cotton, Minnesota set statewide records for daily record low on January 27 and 31st.[https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/journal/cold-outbreak-january-27-31-2019.html Cold Outbreak: January 27-31, 2019], Minnesota Department of Natural Resources The entire state of Illinois set a record low on January 31, when Mount Carroll dropped to {{convert|-38|F|C}}.[https://weather.com/safety/winter/news/2019-03-07-illinois-all-time-record-low-set-mt-carroll-31jan2019 It's Official: Illinois Set a New All-Time Record Low During January's Polar Vortex Cold Outbreak], The Weather Channel, March 12, 2019

In the month of February, several cities recorded their all time snowiest February, including Eau Claire, Wisconsin at {{convert|53.7|in|cm|abbr=on}}, Pendleton, Oregon at {{convert|32.5|in|cm|abbr=on}}, Seattle at {{convert|20.2|in|cm|abbr=on}} and Rochester, Minnesota at {{convert|40|in|cm|abbr=on}}. The {{convert|27|in|cm|abbr=on}} of snow in Omaha propelled the winter of 2018–19 to be the snowiest on record there. However, several rainfall records were also broken further south, including Nashville at {{convert|13.47|in|mm|abbr=on}} of rain, Huntsville at {{convert|13.72|in|mm|abbr=on}} of rain, and Tupelo at {{convert|15.61|in|mm|abbr=on}}. February also became the coldest February on record in Miles City, Montana and Rapid City, South Dakota. In Aberdeen, South Dakota, the highest temperature all month was only {{convert|22|F|C}}.[https://weather.com/safety/winter/news/2019-02-25-february-has-broken-monthly-records-from-coast-to-coast February Shattered Monthly Records For Snow, Cold and Warmth in the U.S.], The Weather Channel, March 2, 2019[https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/seattle-not-likely-repeat-record-february-2021-snow/4GVIWNBWCFDKDI43MF2NGG3QLI/ Seattle not likely to repeat record February 2021 snow], KIRO7, February 9, 2022 For the first time in history, Los Angeles failed to reach {{convert|70|F|C}} in February.[https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-cold-february-20190228-story.html Must Reads: A February to remembrrr in L.A.: It never even reached 70 degrees], Los Angeles Times, February 28, 2019 On February 21, Flagstaff saw their snowiest day on record with {{convert|35.9|in|cm|abbr=on}} of snow.[https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/flagstaff-arizona-sets-all-time-snow-record-as-major-snowstorm-buries-southwestern-us/336034 Flagstaff, Arizona, sets all-time snow record as major snowstorm buries southwestern US], AccuWeather, July 10, 2019 From February 28 to March 4, New York City tied a record for the most consecutive days with measurable snow, at 5.[https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/snow-central-park-record-national-weather-service/32245/ Central Park Ties Unusual Snowfall Record for Just 3rd Time in 150 Years], NBC New York, March 6, 2019 The snowiest March on record was realized at Copper Mountain.[https://snowbrains.com/march-2019-is-already-the-snowiest-march-on-record-at-copper-mountain-co/ March 2019 Is Already The Snowiest March On Record At Copper Mountain, CO], SnowBrains, March 18, 2019

=Canada=

The city of Edmonton recorded their snowiest September on record, with {{convert|22|cm|in|abbr=on}} of snow falling.[https://globalnews.ca/news/4473747/edmonton-snowfall-september-snow-record/ Edmonton hit with blast of winter on last day of summer], Global News, September 21, 2018 2018 saw the most expansive September snow in Canada, as well as North America as a whole.[https://www.mlive.com/weather/2018/10/record_september_snow_cover_me.html Record September snow cover means winter might come early], MLive, October 29, 2018

References

External links

[https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/storm_summaries/2018/finalarchive_2018.shtml 2018 Storm Summaries] from the Weather Prediction Center
[https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/storm_summaries/2019/finalarchive_2019.shtml 2019 Storm Summaries] from the Weather Prediction Center

{{Succession box|before=2017–18|title=North American winters|years=2018–19|after=2019–20}}

Category:2018 meteorology

Category:2019 meteorology

Category:North American winters

Winter