Will Phil Call For Six More Weeks of Winter?

With the recent cold snap, the prospect of Punxsutawney Phil predicting six more weeks of winter on Feb. 2 is especially daunting.

Groundhog Day is on Saturday, Feb. 2 and the recent Arctic temperatures are giving the day a bit more resonance than usual. On Groundhog Day, the groundhog comes out of its burrow and checks for his shadow to determine how soon spring will arrive. According to the myth, if a groundhog sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter; if he does not, spring is right around the corner. Last year, Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter while Staten Island Chuck called for an early spring. Groundhog Day and other similar legends are based on the beliefs of Europeans, but the true origins of the holiday are lost in time. The day originated from the Germans, Scots and early Christian Europeans. Groundhog Day …

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Winter Weather Hits Southampton

Share your snow pics as winter storm Khan brings winter weather to Southampton.

Snow showers courtesy of winter storm Khan have hit the Southampton area, and a Winter Weather Advisory has been issued, according to the National Weather Service. A Winter Weather Advisory will remain in effect until 1 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, according to the weather service. An expected 1 to 2 inches of snow is expected to accumulate. Be careful during your evening commute, the weather service warns, as slick travel conditions will develop quickly. "Be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibilities," the Weather Advisory states. "Use extra caution while driving. Drive at a slower speed and use extra caution." Snow will continue to fall until midnight, the National Weather Service predicts, and the temperature will fall to a low …

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Firewood For Sale on Cushmore Road

When it is this cold outside, what could be better than sitting in front of a nice warm fire?

This past week our fireplace has been working overtime. If that is the case in your house too, you may burning through your winter wood supply a little faster than originally expected. Fear not. A neighbor on the 300 block of Cushmore Road has got you covered. You can purchase firewood from the rack by the curb in front of their house, any time of day. It's simple — the operation works on the honor system – just load the wood into your car or truck and leave $15 in the mailbox.  Interested? Take Second Street Pike to Madison Avenue and then make a left on Cushmore. You will see the rack on the left hand side of the road.

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Expect a January Thaw This Week

The coming week's weather looks milder around the region. Seasonably cold weather may return by the end of the month.

January hasn't really started on that cold of a note. Temperatures so far this month are running near average as our "cold snap" has been really full of typical January type weather. That pattern will relax as we work through the course of the coming week, with typical January weather thawing out as the week progresses. The nation will be pretty mild overall for much of the week, only cooling down late this week in the Pacific Northwest as a push of cold comes in from Canada. However, our region starts near normal on temperatures and will warm progressively each day, pushing 50 on Wednesday and then probably 50 again by Friday if not Saturday. Thursday may be a notch cooler if only because of the prospect of additional clouds around the …

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Cold, Generally Dry Week

Typical winter weather is what is on tap for this week.

This week doesnt have an upcoming arctic or abnormally or historically cold stretch, but it should serve as a  reminder that winter is here and that it occasionally does get cold around these parts. The coastal storm that's generating today's winds is going to get hung up along the east coast of Labrador in Canada, setting up a -NAO regime for the week and pushing a healthy dose of cold air into Quebec, Ontario, and New England. We will get in on some of this cold but the core of cold will generally be to our north and northeast over the coming week.  Temperatures across New England could run eight to ten degrees below average through the coming week, with our region generally a few degrees below average on the whole. Thanks to a fast …

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Snow in the Overnight Forecast

The National Weather Service has issued hazardous weather outlook for tonight and into Tuesday.

A slippery morning commute may be in order Tuesday, as the National Weather Service is predicting about an inch of snow accumilation overnight across Bucks and Montgomery Counties.   NWS recently issued a 'Hazardous Weather Outlook" that said an additional inch or so could accumulate Tuesday, possibly mixed with rain. Any remaining snow will probably be washed away by afternoon rain. Here's a look at the NWS' extended forecast for Southampton:

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The Brunette Lucy

Is Your Home a Holiday Inn for Mice?

The Brunette Lucy discovers that regardless of what fairytale classics like Cinderella would have you believe, mice and humans can not co-exist.

Even though I enjoy summer, I’m a cold weather fan. By September, I’ve had about enough of high heat and humidity. When fall comes around, I usher it in with unmitigated glee. Of course, like everything in life, nothing is perfect. As I prepare my house for the winter months, little field mice are packing their bags as well, in search of their winter home. My house, apparently, has a neon “Holiday Inn” sign with a perpetual flashing vacancy sign, beckoning mice from all over the town. I know this is going to sound weird, but I’m torn about having them in my house. They carry diseases, get into our food, and leave disgusting mice poop in their wake. But like most moms, I read the children countless stories about adorable miniature mice …

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The Garden Patch

Landscape Resolutions

It's time to rethink your landscape this year. Local landscape designer Beverly Auvil gives us a few suggestions to consider.

It's January — time for those New Year's resolutions. While you're thinking about getting your body in shape, how about getting your landscape in shape as well?  You don't have to recreate your entire front and back yard — just think about one or two areas that you'd really like to change. A small transformation or two will add up to big results in the long run. Lawn Gone. If you spend more time than you'd like mowing, consider reducing the amount of turf on your property. "When we moved into our house, we had all lawn on the property," said Beverly Auvil, of Beverly Auvil Landscape Design. "We spent too much time mowing and I rarely saw a bird or any signs of wildlife. I turned part of the back yard into a wildflower meadow. Although the …

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Prepare Now for Winter Weather

Tonight's snowfall is expected to be relatively light, but it never hurts to be prepared for the worst.

From the Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross: Due to tonight’s impending winter weather, and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross urges residents to take steps now to stay safe.  As with any disaster, preparation can be the difference between life and death. The Red Cross recommends that individuals and families prepare for winter storms by: For more information on winter storm preparedness, contact the Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross at www.redcrossphilly.org. 

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Major Storm Threatens More Snow, Cold and Ice.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning this afternoon, saying the storm will hit our area around midnight tonight.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Southampton and surrounding areas, calling for a "prolonged period of wintry precipitation" beginning tonight and lasting through Wednesday. Snow is expected to start late this evening and last into Tuesday,  changing to sleet on Tuesday afternoon. The Weather Service said freezing rain will follow on Tuesday night through Wednesday afternoon.  An accumulation of 1-6 inches of snow is possible, with another half inch of ice. The weather is expected to make travel difficult in the region. Ice may accumulate on tree limbs and utility wires from Tuesday night into Wednesday, increasing the possibility of widespread power outages in the area. Here’s the National Weather Service…

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