Record Siberian snow could bode ill for Northeast

Thomas M. Kostigen | Special for USA TODAY

There is a theory about snow in Siberia during the month of October: If there is a lot, it can mean a particularly wicked winter in the northeast United States.

Last month, Siberia experienced record snowfall and the worst blizzard in a decade.

Above-average snow cover in Siberia is believed to affect the now-famous polar vortex and send bitterly cold temperatures to the Northeast. This happens when the Arctic Oscillation, a climate pattern, shifts.

When its winds are strong, the Arctic Oscillation keeps a tight hold on temperatures swirling around the North Pole. When it becomes weakened, or what meteorologists call “negative,” it allows arctic air masses to creep into the mid-latitudes.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) describes it this way: “Air pressure is higher than average over the arctic and lower than average over the mid-latitudes. The jet stream shifts southward of its average latitude.” That steers frigid, polar air southward into North America.

Above-average Siberian snow cover points to a negative oscillation pattern. But not always. And it is especially not certain that will happen this winter. Myriad factors, not the least of which is the strong El Niño being experienced globally, come into play.

Atmospheric and Environmental Research scientist Judah Cohen, who tracks the Arctic Oscillation and its correlation to U.S winters, wrote on his blog: “It is challenging to anticipate how the final outcome of competing forcings from the tropics and the high latitudes will influence mid-latitude weather.”

He explains that while October snow cover was above normal in Siberia this year, it did not advance as much as the previous two Octobers. Moreover, Arctic sea ice extent remains below normal. Cohen is expecting important pattern changes this month will provide better clues to the winter ahead.

At the moment and for the short-term, he is forecasting a mild pattern. Still, it’s worth checking Arctic Oscillation reports (the Climate Prediction Center provides 14-day forecasts) and taking steps to prepare for the worst.

Here are some things you can do:

• Stack up on wood for your fireplace, ready space heaters and store extra heating fuel. (Always store fuel in a well-ventilated place.)

• Keep winter clothing and extra blankets handy.

• Insulate walls and attics. Weather strip windows and doors. Consider installing storm windows.

• Clear overhanging branches and weak trees. The extra weight of ice can break branches and topple trees.

• Know where water valves are and learn how to close them in case of pipe bursts.

• Have your roof examined to ensure it can withstand the weight of ice and snow. Just one cubic foot of snow can weigh 20 pounds.

• Make sure propane tanks and other hazardous liquids and materials are stored properly in vented areas.

• Find out where local shelters are set up ahead of time. Organizations such as the Red Cross will often provide shelters during cold months.

• Turn your thermostats to 68 degrees. This habit will help you conserve fuel during long-lasting cold spells.

Thomas M. Kostigen is the founder of TheClimateSurvivalist.com and a New York Times bestselling author and journalist. He is the National Geographic author of "Extreme Weather Survival Guide: Understand, Prepare, Survive, Recover" and the NG Kids book, "Extreme Weather: Surviving Tornadoes, Tsunamis, Hailstorms, Thundersnow, Hurricanes and More!" Follow him @weathersurvival, or email kostigen@theclimatesurvivalist.com.

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