The Satellite-Derived Northern Hemisphere Snowcover Record for the Winter of 1977–78

Abstract NOAA satellite-derived snowcover data for the winter of 1977–78 are presented. Comparison with the 12-year satellite snowcover record shows 1) a record-high North American winter snowcover, exceeding the expected variability. 2) a record-high Eurasian winter snowcover, within the expected variability; and 3) a record-high Northern Hemisphere winter snowcover, exceeding the expected variability. The satellite data provides timely monitoring of continental snowcover, which may in turn serve as an index of winter severity and climatic fluctuation.