Winter weather forecast

This is not exactly a "hot" topic, but . . .

Mild winter, anyone?

About two weeks ago, meteorologists at the NOAA Climate Prediction Center predicted a mild, dry winter for this part of the country. This area should experience above-average temperatures, although this coming winter will not be as warm as last winter. And precipitation levels should be below normal, too.

"The prediction for a warmer than normal winter season does not mean we won't have winter weather," said Mike Halpert, lead seasonal forecaster at the NOAA Climate Prediction Center. "What it does mean is that on average this will be a milder than average winter across much of the North, with fewer arctic air outbreaks," he added.

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I don't know about you folks, but I've had enough arctic air masses for one lifetime. I don't like the temperature falling below 15 degrees. When it gets to 15 below, I really want to complain to someone.

The last 15-below night I can remember was 1996, but we may have had one or two since then. I well remember the winter of 1982 and having to change the water in my car radiator in a 60-below wind chill because I had to get to work and my radiator water had frozen.

No more of that for me.