Rick Shields Ag Weather 2-24-10

Snowfall amounts across the region may vary greatly today.  Close to Lake Michigan six inches – and in some spots up to ten – may fall from the latest system.  Away from the lake several inches are likely to be the total accumulation by the time Thursday rolls around.

All of the area can expect off and on flurries or snow showers through the weekend.  Somewhat cooler conditions should prevail Thursday into Friday as highs climb only into the upper twenties.  High readings will then begin to warm for the weekend into early next week.

Michigan State’s network of weather monitoring stations had morning lows in the lower twenties.  A few spots, like Muskegon, were receiving a steady, accumulating snow.  Other locations further inland had only a dusting overnight.

The low pressure system crossing South Michigan today is aimed at New England where it’s due to wreak havoc by the end of the week.  In that part of the country another storm which moved up from the south is bringing heavy coastal rains and inland snows today.

Historical records indicate heavy snow fell on this date in 1936 in the Northeast but it was brown.  That’s brown as in the color of the dirt in Nebraska and Kansas.  That was just one small way the 1930’s Dust Bowl impacted the rest of the continent.