Karen’s Korner,
Well, I guess it’s safe to say that Fall has exited the premises, and Winter has basically arrived a little early. I read an article this weekend saying that December will be more like January this year. With the beautiful days we are having and the cold evenings and nights, we can certainly recognize the shift. However, it may not be this cold for more than a few days in a row. I remember last year we did not even need a jacket, nor a long sleeve shirt or blouse on Christmas Day.
But according to the 2025 Old Farmer’s Almanac, “This winter, temperatures will be up and snowfall down throughout most of the United States,” reports Carol Connare, the Almanac’s editor-in-chief. “While there will still be plenty of chilly temperatures and snow for most slopes, the high heating costs associated with the season shouldn’t hit so hard. We’re predicting a temperate, uneventful winter—potentially a welcome reprieve from the extremes of recent years.”
There will be exceptions, of course. Winter rainstorms will leave Florida, the Deep South, and southern California soaked. Meanwhile, heavy snowfall is expected in central and southern Appalachia, the western Ohio Valley, and the Rockies—calling all skiers and sledders!”
The US Weather forecast has a little different outlook for December 2024 through February 2025 and contains information on likely conditions throughout the country for temperature, precipitation, and drought. “This winter, NOAA predicts wetter-than-average conditions for the entire northern tier of the continental U.S., particularly in the Pacific Northwest and the Great Lakes region, along with northern and western Alaska. Meanwhile, drier-than-average conditions are expected from the Four Corners region of the Southwest to the Southeast, Gulf Coast and lower mid-Atlantic states!”
So, there you go. Even though weather in the South can change at the drop of a hat, it’s always good for our senior population to keep an eye on it so that we will not be too surprised. When the temperature drops, older adults run a higher risk of health problems and injuries related to the weather, including hypothermia. Layers of clothing, staying hydrated, planning daily activities early in the day, eating right, staying connected with friends and family, and staying warm are essential during the winter months. Being mindful of the conditions daily will guide you as a senior in the right direction and make it much safer during this upcoming winter!
We’ll keep it warm for you here, at the Webster Parish Council on Aging, Come on down!