North Carolina Snow Lovers Get Good News For Winter
I grew up in Houston, Texas. Therefore, the two things, environmentally, that I love most about living in the Carolinas are fall color and annual snow. These were aspects of life that were strictly in the fantasy category of my youth. When we first moved here 18 years ago, we annually experienced what I like to call “perfect snow.” It would come down overnight with 3-5 inches. That’s just enough to cancel schools and give the kids a morning to play. Then, like magic it would warm up by 1 or 2 o’clock. The snow would melt and the drive home from work would be no problem. By the next morning, life returned to normal. Perfect.
I can’t remember the last time we had significant snowfall here in the Charlotte area. Seriously, has it been two years? More? Anyway, WRAL has come out with their winter weather outlook and if you’re looking for some snow, changes are afoot atmospherically that you’re gonna like. See, we’re in an El Niño pattern. “During an El Niño, the northern branch of the jet stream stays mostly up in Canada, keeping the coldest air north of us,” WRAL meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth explained. “Meanwhile, we have an active subtropical jet stream over the southern United States. It’s fueled by warm, moist air over the Pacific, so we expect some drought-busting precipitation over the southern half of the country.”
Uh, do what? to paraphrase Michael Scott of “The Office,” speak to me like I’m seven. Okay, we’re not just in an El Niño, but a strong El Niño. And a strong El Niño usually brings more snow. So, good news for snow lovers in North Carolina!
Since 1957, we’ve only had six winters with the strong El Niño weather pattern:
- 1957-1958
- 1965-1966
- 1972-1973
- 1987-1988
- 1991-1992
- 2009-2010
Five of those years featured snow totals of seven inches or higher. The most recent strong El Niño year was in 2010, when we had 7.2 inches of snow.
LET’S GO!
North Carolina Has One of the Best Winter Getaways in the U.S.
It’s never too early to start planning an exciting winter getaway, especially since the most popular winter vacation spots get booked up quickly. The good news, though, is that most people take vacations in the summer, so traveling in the winter can be a bit more relaxing. You are also able to usually find better travel rates during the winter season, except during the holidays. If you don’t have to travel during the holidays, just don’t, because it’s a mess. So, what are the best winter getaways in the U.S.? North Carolina has one of them.
I’ve researched some of the most popular winter vacation destinations in hopes of finding the perfect spot. The following list includes not just sunny, warm getaways, but also some areas that people who love snow can enjoy. Honestly, many people who live in a warm climate like to flock to a snowy location for a bit during the winter to get that seasonal experience, even if that seems counter intuitive. Of course, those who live in the northern parts of America love to go to a warm spot and get away from their daily lives filled with snow and ice.
I’m a Michigan girl, so I’m very familiar with the cold and ice in the winter. Not that I like it. Each year, I say I’m going to escape, even if it’s just for a few days, to a warmer location. But, I never do. Maybe this year will be different. Looking at vacation rates, it’s fairly easy to find some good deals, again, if it’s not during the holiday travel season. Read on for some of the bets winter getaways in the U.S., based on my research. What’s your favorite winter vacation spot? Reach out to me on social media here and let me know. Have a fantastic winter, and stay warm.
Best Winter Getaways in the U.S.
Charlie Nance is the Afternoon Drive co-host (along with his wife) of "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The couple have been with the radio station since 2006. Charlie has won the prestigious CMA (Country Music Association) Award for Radio Personality of the Year and has been a finalist for the Country Radio Hall of Fame four times. Prior to his time in Charlotte, Charlie (along with Debbie) spent more than a decade hosting successful morning radio shows in Greenville, SC; Augusta, Ga; and Birmingham, Al. As a content creator for Country 1037, Charlie writes about dream lottery windfalls, sports, restaurants and bars, and travel experiences in North and South Carolina.
