Don't Miss It

When we first said we were moving the sanctuary to New Hampshire, one of the many reasons we cited for the change was wanting a milder climate than we had in Montana.  That raised some eyebrows back here in the north end of New Hampshire, where they don't consider this a "milder climate" by any means.  And in truth, it is snow country here, as we said in our blog post announcing the move, and it can get below zero, no question about it.  But everything's relative, and where we were in Montana was by far colder, and windier, than where we are now in New Hampshire.  We would get much colder, earlier, and it would last longer.  In October 2009, for example, we had a week of sub-zero weather where it was 20 below at night and barely above zero during the day.

And then we saw the Ovando weather forecast for this week.  (Click on image for larger version.)  Yikes.  Boy, do we remember this sort of thing already in the fall: 

Tonight: A chance of snow before 11pm, then snow likely and areas of blowing snow after 11pm. Cloudy, with a low around -4. Wind chill values as low as -21. East wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Monday: Snow and areas of blowing snow. High near 8. Wind chill values as low as -22. East wind between 10 and 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Monday Night: Snow likely and areas of blowing snow before 11pm, then snow and areas of blowing snow after 11pm. Low around -13. Wind chill values as low as -34. East wind between 13 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Tuesday: Snow and areas of blowing snow before 11am, then a chance of snow after 11am. High near 2. East northeast wind between 6 and 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Tuesday Night: A slight chance of snow before 11pm, then a chance for flurries. Mostly cloudy, with a low around -23. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny and cold, with a high near -7.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around -21.

Thanksgiving Day: Mostly sunny and cold, with a high near 4.

Alayne and I used to pride ourselves in being able to work outdoors for hours in those kinds of conditions, but as the years wore on, we began to think a little less of that would be a good thing!

Before making the final decision on where to relocate, we looked at climate records for the past 50 years, as well as climate change model projections for the rest of this century.  A key piece of current data was one of the simplest, and yet most stark, ways to illustrate the difference between our climate in Ovando and the one we now live in.  The growing season last year -- time between killing frosts -- was 116 days in Lancaster.  In Ovando, it was 76 days. 

So when people here in northern New Hampshire ask us with genuine concern if we're "really ready for a North Country winter," we just smile and say, "Yep, I think we can handle it."

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Of course, having just posted this, I have pretty much guaranteed the immiment arrival of the "Winter Storm of the Century" for upper New England.  Sorry about that, folks.

Comments

[Mare in Mass]

I've lived in New England for many years, and I can't even *imagine* what wind chill values of -21 or -34 degrees feel like. That's like Mars! I think you'll love New England winters. There is snow, but it can be very beautiful, especially when sunny winter days make it sparkle. I bet the weather will feel balmy for you two! :-)

[Suzanne Babbitt]

Glad Suzi got a good home. She was so cute I was almost tempted to ask for her myself. My sister-in-law lives in Montana and she said it is very cold now.

[Ann]

I give you all a lot of credit for being able to have done all you did in weather like that in Montana. Even in the winter, New Hampshire won't be quite as bad. As a former northener turned cold weather wuss, I dreaded the winter. Now I'm in South Carolina and we're all complaining because it's only going to be in the 60s this weekend!

[Ev]

When I complain about the winter weather here in the Pacific North West, I stop a second and remember what it is like in MT during the winter. No comparison! Although I still am in love with the great state of Montana. It is a beautiful place.

[Lynn (in Louisiana)]

When I saw the national weather map this weekend the entire state of MT was pink with had the word "frigid" written over it. I said to myself, bet Alayne and Steve are doing a happy dance!

[Jennifer McRoberts]

Your blog gives me goose bumps! It's funny how Paul and I have been noticing Gabe getting a thick winter coat with the few cool days here. I have been calling our boy, "The Big Montana Bear." Cold to us is anything below 60. :) I think Gabey still thinks there is snow coming.....silly boy....on the days the temp drops to 59, I heat up blankets in the dryer and wrap him up....he probably thinks I am crazy! : )

[Karla]

That weather last October was bad, but what a great fall we had out here this year, and quite an extended one. Unfortunately, when winter decided to hit, it came fast. I think Helena's forecast is even worse than Ovando's! I did see someone cross country skiing down the road in front of the house on Saturday and we live in town!
Oh, and being able to grow real tomatoes will be nice for you!

[Jessica, NL]

Owww, brrrr, for both areas compared to the sea-climate I live in ;-). Hahaha, that last comment is a blast Steve, but I dare say you could be right!

I remember the taking-off snow tires and other weather "bets" like that :)

[Kevin Kennaugh]

Yes, nothing like winter in Montana. It is about 5 degrees right now as I am writing. Glad the you all at the Ranch are doing so good. I enjoy the updates. We miss you in Montana, though! Happy Thanksgiving.
Kevin
Poplar, MT