A prominent meteorologist has highlighted what he describes as a chilling pattern as Winter Storm Fern batters extensive portions of the United States, though his theory has been robustly challenged by climate science experts.
The 'Pattern of Sixes' Theory
CBS weather presenter Lonnie Quinn observed during a broadcast that several of New York City's most significant snowstorms have occurred at approximately ten-year intervals, frequently in calendar years concluding with the number six. This has led to speculation that the forecasted major storm this January 2026 weekend might align with this perceived trend.
'New York residents might be puzzled, questioning the relevance of the sixes,' Quinn remarked. 'However, examine this sequence: In 1996, the metropolis was struck by 20.2 inches of snowfall, ranking as the fifth-largest storm in the city's records. A decade later, in 2006, we experienced the second-biggest storm ever recorded, depositing 26.9 inches. Another ten years onward, in 2016, New York witnessed its most substantial snowstorm in history, with 27.5 inches of accumulation.'
Scientific Rebuttal from Climate Experts
Judah Cohen, a meteorologist educated at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, countered that Quinn's hypothesis lacks scientific foundation and represents mere coincidence rather than established climatology.
'I find no substantiation that New York City encounters a monumental snowstorm every decade, or specifically during years ending in six,' Cohen stated. 'Certainly, 2006 established a record that 2016 subsequently surpassed, but prior to that, one must revert to 1947, which does not conform to the proposed pattern.'
Cohen further explained that brief periods of extreme weather phenomena can be deceptive when isolated from broader historical context. 'Human cognition favours cyclical patterns, yet a solitary ten-year span does not constitute a verifiable trend,' he elaborated. 'An eleven-year solar cycle exists, but it does not correlate precisely with decadal snowfall behaviour. Such a correlation is not scientifically recognised.'
Widespread Disruption and Emergency Preparations
The advancing storm has precipitated severe disruption across the nation, with over 7,000 flight cancellations confirmed by Saturday morning. Millions of citizens have been urged to implement precautions and refrain from non-essential travel this weekend, with meteorologists predicting heavy snowfall and dangerously low temperatures.
Expert analysis indicates that Winter Storm Fern will deliver heavy snow, freezing rain, and sleet across extensive regions. For New York City, Cohen projected approximately eight inches of snow, with potential for higher accumulations of 12 to 18 inches if conditions remain favourable for sustained snowfall.
'Timing-wise, anticipate impacts from Sunday morning through to Monday morning. This will not be a brief six-hour event,' Cohen advised. He emphasised that the primary hazard may not be snow depth alone, but the synergistic effect of ice formation combined with extreme cold. 'Ice proves more debilitating than snow. Power loss followed by plummeting temperatures creates a perilous situation. Heavy, wet snow and ice can topple power lines, and ice accumulation is a particular concern with this weather system.'
Numerology Claims and Official Warnings
Numerologist Gary 'The Numbers Guy' Grinberg contended the recurrence of sixes is not accidental. Citing Chinese numerology and Zodiac symbolism, Grinberg noted the word 'snow' contains the vowel 'o', the fifteenth alphabet letter, where 1 + 5 equals 6—a digit he profoundly links to snowfall.
'Six is the numeral most powerfully connected to snow,' Grinberg asserted. 'The most evident connection is that snowflakes naturally crystallise in six-sided hexagonal forms. Ancient Chinese scholars acknowledged this distinctive structure, describing snow as ‘six-petaled’ blossoms in classical poetry and literature.'
Despite dismissing numerological interpretations, Cohen warned the approaching storm appears substantial and warrants serious preparation. 'This system looks significant and extensive in scope, stretching from Texas and the Gulf Coast upwards through New England,' he said.
National Emergency Declarations and Public Response
More than a dozen states have enacted disaster or emergency declarations in anticipation of Winter Storm Fern, predicted to extend from New Mexico to Virginia on Saturday before advancing into the Northeast by Sunday. The National Weather Service forecasts bitterly cold temperatures and hazardous travel conditions.
Federal forecasts indicate over 230 million Americans across 34 states are subject to various weather watches, warnings, and advisories as the massive storm system progresses eastward. Fern is anticipated to traverse a 1,500-mile path through Monday.
As apprehension intensifies, panic buying has emptied supermarket shelves in areas including Washington, DC, with residents stockpiling essentials. Hardware stores reported surging demand for sleds, shovels, and winter supplies.
Former President Donald Trump commented on the impending severe weather via his Truth Social platform, criticising climate scientists while alerting Americans to a 'record cold wave.' 'Rarely witnessed anything comparable previously,' Trump posted. 'Could the Environmental Insurrectionists kindly elucidate - WHATEVER BECAME OF GLOBAL WARMING???'
Experts consulted by the New York Times cautioned that conditions may become so severe that venturing outdoors could be excessively dangerous, while extended power failures during extreme cold could also render indoor environments hazardous.
Cohen concluded by advising against overinterpreting apparent meteorological patterns, especially those amplified through social media. 'To each their own,' he remarked. 'I do not wish to disparage anyone, but identifying a ‘six-year pattern’ does not constitute serious meteorology. Observe patterns if you desire, but do not mistake them for scientific evidence.'
