It’s been awhile since I’ve blogged…this week has been a very
busy and, at times, stressful one for me but finally things are
slowing down and I’m getting ready for a family Christmas trip to
Salt Lake City, UT. The latest forecasting trends indicate a white
Christmas for me, but how about here in Western Washington?
It was requested that I do a blog post about the next two weeks
of weather from now until January 4th since the students are out of
school on winter break. It would be awesome to add some snow to the
mix between now and then! So let’s see what we have:
Sunday,
December 20th–Saturday December 26th: The week
leading up to Christmas looks to be on the cooler side of normal
with periods of rain and mountain snow. Unfortunately, a white
Christmas isn’t looking likely. There were some indications Monday
into Tuesday we could see some lowland snow, but that thought has
faded. Sure seems like so far in the cold department, we’ve been
rocking the socks off of history, but we can’t manage some decent
lowland snow! At least…not during this week…
Sunday,
December 27th–Saturday January 2nd: This week
looks, and has been looking, pretty interesting. Obviously this is
so far out in long range land that to say anything for certain
would be a big mistake, but from what I’ve observed if we’re going
to have any snow chances during winter break, it’d be during the
second half. It appears colder (and even, at times, moist) weather
regime will make an appearance after Christmas. The atmosphere has
been and will likely be in a “La Nina-like” state until mid
January, so seeing series of colder weather systems affecting the
region at this time makes sense.
To sum it up, the first half of winter break will feature
coolish/wet periods but overall it’s what we’ve grown to expect
here in the Northwest. The second half of winter break offers the
best chance at seeing some of the white stuff as the cold and wet
weather continues.
Also, friends of mine and fellow blog readers Colleen and Jason
Smidt, asked that a few gentle reminders be given concerning
shipping and receiving gifts this season to make your life and the
lives of the FedEx/UPS men, Jason being one himself, easier. Thanks
to Colleen for compiling this helpful list:
#1. Order early and ship out early.
#2. Do not rely on expedited services such as last
minute Next Day Air and Second Day Air to get your packages to you
on time. Not only are they WAY more expensive but a Vendor
that you order from can promise one thing, but unexpected delays in
processing and weather can easily lead to another reality all
together. Last year comes to easily to mind.
#3. Talk with your delivery person.
Communicate to them in advance large bulky or perishable items
coming in and the location where you would like the items left if
you will not be home or they do not require a signature.
#4. Have items shipped to your daytime work place
if at all possible. Not only does this alleviate any
peeking or guessing by the kids, but you know expensive,
temperature sensitive items are not sitting outside on your porch
exposed to the elements for hours at a time.
#5. Remember that while delivery drivers will try to
accommodate you whenever possible, they are still under certain
restrictions by their employers with either time allowances or
specific routes they need to adhere to per company policy or risk
losing their jobs. Be patient. Start times in the
mornings are constantly being adjusted and moved to later times to
accommodate air deliveries coming into the center.
#6. Expect longer lines for service. The
UPS Center on Werner Road has the following hours of operation:
UPS CUSTOMER CENTER
STAFFED LOCATION
8000 WERNER RD
BREMERTON, WA 98312
800-742-5877
Hours of Operation
Mon-Fri: 2:00pm-6:00pm;
Sat, Sun: Closed
#7. Be safe. Delivery drivers and their
helpers spend long hours out on their routes during the month of
December. It is not uncommon for many of them to be out on
the roads until very late at night in weather conditions that are
adverse and makes it difficult for other drivers to spot
them. Company policy dictates that they wear a specific
uniform in dark colors which also does not help. Keep pets
and children away from the trucks and out of the streets.
Especially during snowy times.
And most of all BE NICE and know that they are
doing their best to get your packages to you during the day and
return home safely to their own families at night. It is the
season of Peace and Forgiveness.
My blog posts will be rather infrequent between Tuesday the 22nd
and Sunday the 27th, but I will try to update this thing as much as
possibile, especially if any wrinkles enter the forecasting models
😉
Have a fabulous weekend,
Matthew Leach
Forecasting Kitsap
Questions? Comments? E-mail me at:
forecastingkitsap@live.com
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