The Great Amsterdam Snowpocalypse

Now that we've mostly stopped flinching at phantom New Year's Eve fireworks, it's time for the next dramatic Amsterdam event: snow. ❄️

On average, Amsterdam gets about five days of snow a year, with a grand total of what meteorologists lovingly call “negligible" accumulation (which is Dutch for "it fell, then immediately gave up and became water").

This year, however, is not average.

On the 3rd, we got a light dusting. It was the normal amount, but strangely, it didn’t disappear. On the 4th, we got a bit more. Then on the 5th… we got between 4 and 5 inches. And it’s been cold enough that the snow decided to unpack its bags and make itself comfortable.

Snow falling on the 5th

This is basically unheard of in Amsterdam. Schools are closed. People are driving very slowly (which is actually a good thing, since no one here ever has to drive in these conditions). Bike lanes are being plowed—most of them, anyway. The narrow ones are apparently left to the brave. Mostly, people are staying home, safe and warm, quietly judging the weather.

Highs have been around 3°C (about 37°F for those still loyal to Fahrenheit), with some days this week topping out at 0°C (32°F, yes, that's freezing).

Alex, meanwhile, is having the time of his life. His first day back to school after winter break was supposed to be Tuesday. Cancelled. Then today (Wednesday) was cancelled too. Tomorrow (Thursday) school will open at 10am. Or at least that's what they are saying at the moment. Who knows what will transpire by the time we wake up in the morning.

What was meant to be a three-week break is now looking suspiciously like four. Alex, of course, has absolutely no problem with this situation.

Mike is starting to wonder if we accidentally moved to Toronto (where he spent his late 20s) and didn't realize it.

One upside: it's beautiful. What's not to love about this sunrise yesterday?

Image modified to remove signs and people

But as I type this...you guessed it...it's snowing.