Year that began with record snowfalls could end with record precip

Unlike the rest of 2008, October had less than the expected average in precipitation. However, the 3.38-inches of rain was enough to advance the yearly total to well beyond the yearly average and within inches of the greatest amount of precipitation Laconia has recorded, according to local weather expert Russ Hobby.

"These next two months ought to do it," said Hobby. As of the end of October, Hobby's records show that 2008 has had 51.94-inches of rain and the water-equivalent of snow.

The greatest amount of precipitation on record for Laconia in a single calendar year was 70 years ago, when 55.88-inches was measured. There's a good chance that the city will get enough precipitation this month to top that mark, and if not, "We'll surely break it in December, unless we get a dry month."

However, a dry spell is the least likely thing that Hobby expects the region has in its near future. "All indications are for snow and cold. Another old-fashioned winter, maybe like last year."

Last winter saw a record amount of snowfall for the year, and Hobby said there's no reason to count out an even higher snowfall for the coming winter. "There's a possibility, but you never know."

October's first frost, a light one, came on Oct. 4, even though the temperature Hobby recorded on that night only dropped to 39-degrees. He said that's due to "radiational cooling," which means that in the hours leading up to dawn, when the temperature at ground level can be several degrees colder than where his thermometer is positioned five feet above the ground.

In total, there were seven days in October, all in the last half of the month when the temperature dropped to 32-degrees or colder. The daytime highs ranged from 73-degrees on Oct. 9 to 40-degrees, on both Oct. 29 and 30.

The 29th and 30th days in October also recorded the season's first snowflakes, although there weren't enough of them to measure.

Depending on how quickly it gets cold, Hobby said all the moisture in the ground could cause some nasty frost heaves — buckling in roadways due to water collecting under asphalt and then expanding when it freezes. "It all depends on how fast things freeze. If we have a lot of surface water, it will cause all of that business." However, if the water has a chance to percolate further down into the ground, this winter shouldn't be any different from others as far as frost heaves are concerned.