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You just lived through one of the snowiest periods in NYC’s history

Sounds dramatic. The response to the title of this article, from some, will likely be: “Well,  obviously.” But when you take a second to consider that we actually did live through one of the snowiest periods in the history of observed weather at New York City, it becomes fairly remarkable. The past 30 days or so have been nothing short of anomalous, with colder than normal temperatures (including a visit from an unusually impressive Polar Vortex) and well above normal snowfall throughout a vast majority of the forecast area.

The statistics don’t only confirm what we’ve known all along, they bring to the surface the reality of just how impressive the past month or so has actually been. The entire winter, in a certain sense, has been a giant anomaly — and it has been relentless. Things came to a bit of a head over the last 30 days, however, and our stats will focus on just how impressive the past month or so has actually been.

Snowfall by season in NYC, including 2013-2014 to date. Image courtesy Yehuda Hyman.

Snowfall by season in NYC, including 2013-2014 to date. Image courtesy Yehuda Hyman.

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Dense fog takes over NYC, in photos

The story of the morning, undoubtedly, was the development of dense fog which initially began in only patchy areas of the suburbs early this morning. But by sunrise the fog had lowered and thickened, in addition to spreading throughout the area — including into lower manhattan. The sunrise and aforementioned development of dense, low fog created a terrific (and somewhat rare) picture opportunity as the tops of building and bridges stuck out of the low cloud deck.

Often misunderstood, fog forms as water vapor condenses into tiny water droplets in the lower levels of the atmosphere. Fog is not water vapor itself (Water vapor cannot be seen), nor is it “smog”, a variation of the word which is used to describe lowered visibilities that occur as a result of pollution. But this morning was a more classic case of low fog, more typical in London or San Francisco. The occurrence was a terrific photo opportunity for some of New York City’s best photographers (and webcams). We’ve included some of the best shots below.

The National Weather Service continues a Dense Fog Advisory through noon today, and also urges caution for those who are traveling. Visibilities near zero are possible in some areas, and the fog is expected to cause delays not only on the roads but also at the area airports. The fog is expected to lift by this afternoon, with a chance of scattered showers and high temperatures generally in the mid to upper 40’s.

NYC in fog this morning. Image via Earthcam, twitter.

NYC in fog this morning. Image via Earthcam, twitter.

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