Meteorologist Jeff Ranieri

While I was very aware of the forecast for this week (of course), it didn't matter this morning as I stumbled out of bed. I think I was still in a state of sleep when I was blinded by the sunshine pouring into my hallway. Even though I knew the forecast, the sunlight provided some hope and promise that maybe, somehow I was transported to a tropical climate. I put my hand on the handle to open the window. I turned the knob and was quickly chilled out of my delusion. The wind blasted on my face, and lets just say I didn't need that cup of coffee nearly as quickly. It was of course another day for the heavy jacket and gloves.

While I'm complaining here in NYC and was hoping to transport myself this morning to a tropical climate, it has clearly been much worse elsewhere. The Midwest has been hit particularly hard with wind chills in Minneapolis at -30 this past weekend. The chill is still a top story across the nation but it might of overshadowed a direct effect coming from the polar blast. Any guesses where the frigid air is only adding to the trouble lately???

*Answer: LAKE EFFECT SNOW, UPSTATE NEW YORK !

The cold air in place and NW winds funneling over the lakes the past few days have stacked up totals incredibly high in New York. Oswego County ranks among the top.

Fulton , NY 37"
Mexico, NY 36"
Oswego, NY 34"
Palermo, NY 33"
Pulaski, NY 30"

So, while it's incredibly uncomfortable for many this week it's not as bad as the double whammy hitting the lake effect regions. I bet instead of waking up and hoping it's warmer, people are probably trying to wish and hope that all the snow somehow gets magically shoveled! Good luck on that and let me know if you find a technique that works *-)

Talk with you soon - Jeff

By the way snow is expected off and on through the week in the Great Lake snow belt. Warming may not come in the forecast across the Nation till Sunday. Hold on and stay warm!