Weather Words: Shovel-ready

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Get your shovels ready! When there is enough snow on the ground to start shoveling, this is referred to as shovel-ready snow. The term refers to the snow being just enough to be a hassle on the sidewalks and driveways, but not enough to call the snow-plow crew in. It’s basically an informal way to indicate the winter chores are ready to begin.

Although this is a light-hearted way to describe shoveling, snow shoveling isn’t easy. In fact, it’s downright dangerous. According to the National Safety Council, shoveling snow is responsible for thousands of injuries and up to 100 deaths in the U.S. each year.

So when that snow is “shovel-ready” make sure you are ready and able as well. If not, call a neighbor or family member to help.

J​ennifer Gray is a weather and climate writer for weather.com. She has been covering some of the world's biggest weather and climate stories for the last two decades.