It’s awful out here too. Kills precip and cold air. Windstorm lovers like Randy would probably enjoy it though.

IDK, could just be selective memory, but lately it kinda feels like whoever gets the first big push of continental air generally sets the tone for at least the next 6-8 weeks of the season. In December 2022 the West got the early action and never looked back that season. Same with December 2016. In 2017-18, the East got hit a little earlier in December and that seemed to steer things towards them for the six weeks that followed until the SSW/Niña forcing broke things open for the West in February. Ditto for 2018-19, where the early cold airmasses in November were very Eastern-centric and then remained that way until the SSW shocker heard round the world in February.

Downsloping is normally awful in the West.

I do not, phone stays in center console or pants pocket while driving. I don't touch it. Its distracted driving and as bad as driving buzzed, imo. If I need to get directions I Siri it to Carplay via bluetooth or have my wife get them on her phone if she's in the car. There is no other reason to use your phone in a car driving unless its directions or music, and both of those can be done via carplay over bluetooth

2017 got really nice in December.