Back in January the weather dipped down into the low teens, which apparently means “tiny coats on dogs”.

Shortly thereafter, there was a significant accumulation of sleet. At least around my house it averaged from 1 1/2″ to 2″ but in some places it piled up into larger masses.

Yet the snow has managed to miss us and instead leaving with this icy mess to deal with. Fantastic.

This curiosity has only been increased recently due to the precipitation totals we’ve received in the past month alone. It’s kind of interesting considering last fall central Alabama was in a severe drought, but this year we can’t seem to get rid of the rain. Here’s some interesting facts from the climate report linked above:

• 2009′s YTD precipitation total is 58.08″, compared to 2008′s 45.5″ on the same date (Oct 15th), an increase of around 27%.
• Over 25% of this year’s precipitation has happened since Sept. 1st.
• Normal rainfall from Sept. 1st – Oct. 15th is 5.5″. 2009 is 16.42″, 3x what the normal value is.
• The February/March snowfall is the latest I can remember receiving here since the winter storm of ’93.

Of course not really related to Alabama weather, but it’s also interesting to note that we’ve had quite the unusual (subdued) hurricane season compared to normal and those of recent years.