Last year the Northern Hemispheric snowcover was the second highest in the NOAA snow history back to the mid 1960s. It trailed only the legendary 1977/78 winter. It fell just ahead of 2007/08, pushing it to third place. The winter of 2002/03 dropped to fourth place and the bitter winter of 1978/79 fifth.
Average winter snowfall anomalies for the top 12 snowiest winters - source Rutgers/NOAA.
All through last winter the snowfall was above normal from the end of the first week of December through the third week of March.
Snow anomalies for the Northern Hemisphere for 2009/10 - source Hart FSU.
Snow anomalies for the Northern Hemisphere - source Hart FSU.
Snow anomalies for the Northern Hemisphere this year through December 7, 2010 - source Hart FSU.
The pattern will continue cold across the western parts of Canada, much of United States and across Eurasia. A strong blocking high pressure will push back from the North Atlantic to the Davis Straits. Snow will be heavy along the edges of the cold air and near the unfrozen Great Lakes where many feet will accumulate. More bitter arctic air – perhaps coldest since 1894 is forecast for the UK.
850 mb temperature anomalies (Degrees C) for the 11 to 15 day period centered on December 22, 2010.
Looks like a White Christmas in many areas much like last year.
See PDF here. White Christmas forecast coming.