It could be called the little snowstorm that could.

Two weeks ago, a system that even the most optimistic forecasters dismissed as a nuisance event dropped four to five inches of snow on McLean, surprising everyone who watched the flakes pile up. The storm, known as an Alberta Clipper for its relative speed, was expected to clear out of the area quickly, but additional strengthening along the coast allowed it to hang around and drop an extra three or four inches on the ground.

Since then, there has been little winter weather to speak of. Last Saturday’s storm, once predicted to give McLean a solid foot of wintry precipitation, disappointed many when it moved too far west and poured rain, not snow on the city.

Of course, students should take these successes and disappointments into perspective. Today, the solstice, marks the first day of winter, meaning the actual snow season has just begun. Currently, the region looks to be in a slight warming pattern, though cold air should return within a week. A storm system to the south might redevelop along the coast, giving the Washington area a slight chance of snow into the weekend. Christmas Day appears to be sunny, with a high in the mid-40s and a low just under the freezing mark.

The real fun, however, might be just around the corner. Computer forecasts point to late December and early January as a “storm window” in which winter weather could draw near. Though such predictions are rarely accurate so far out, students should remain alert for the possibility of snow in the next two weeks.

In comparison to last year, this December has been excellent in terms of wintry weather. The 2006-2007 winter season did not see its first measureable snowfall until much later; Christmas temperatures remained well above average.

So far, the winter season has performed spectacularly—for area standards, at least. McLean averages about an inch of snow each December; the Dec. 5 storm put four times that amount on the ground, a possible sign of things to come. Seasonable temperatures and the prospect of wintry weather to come are also reasons to get excited about January and February, the two snowiest months of the year.

Then again, when it comes to weather, there are no guarantees.