Some people predict an average winter this year, but in the wake of the last two mild winters who can say what's average any more.
Early forecasts are often as reliable as a fortune inside a cookie.
Meteorologists are constantly trying to predict weather patterns and gauge their impacts. As one prepares for a battle, a key factor is determining where your foe will be. And similar to the U.S. military, we employ technology to help us fight smarter. The department utilizes 29 remote weather sensor stations along the state highway system that provide detailed information on weather and road conditions in specific regions of the state. The data provided by these stations includes air temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, road and bridge surface temperatures, whether the pavement is wet or dry, whether the salt has been applied and the type and intensity of precipitation.