Where Did the Winter Go?

Many places around the country are in the midst of winter and hoping it quickly comes to an end.

January is nearly over and here in Madison as well as spots around southern Wisconsin, we are way behind on the amount of snow we should have on the ground.  The average snow by now is more than 25".  We've had 17".

It is entirely possible we could still have an average winter snowfall, which is more than 50," by the way.  But, it doesn't feel like that is in the cards.

Light snow is a pretty sight - creating miniature snow globes in the world around us.  But, it is the heavier snows - 6 inches or more in a night - that drop a quiet blanket across the homes and countryside and remind us winter surrounds us.

Yawning through a winter like this makes me wonder where the it went.  November started with great promise and early heavy snows that opened ski hills earlier than usual.

Since then, its like snow has been rationed and we are at the back of the line waiting for a couple cups of flakes.  It seems the northeast and other parts of the country are getting our share and theirs.

It is only January 27 - so we have a good six weeks of winter left - I wonder if we'll see it show up.