Watch Yosemite National Park transition from winter to spring

Goodbye snow, hello flowers.

It can take time for the world to defrost after months of cold winter weather. After freezing over between December and March, the land needs time to warm up and turn green again. This slow seasonal shift may annoy some impatient adventurers, but for many nature enthusiasts, this is just another time to appreciate the outdoors. As the days grow warmer, sightseers can enjoy watching the ice melt and plants grow.

Yosemite National Park is an especially gorgeous place to see this process occur. As snow melts on the Yosemite mountaintops, the park’s waterfalls prepare for a show-stopping spring season. Witness the beauty for yourself in this gallery of photos that show Yosemite National Park transitioning from winter to spring.

Watch winter storms hit Southern California in these three videos

Snow and hail arrive in the Golden State.

On Feb. 22, the National Weather Service (NWS) Los Angeles issued a rare blizzard warning for Southern California. Forecasts predict heavy snow, possible whiteouts, and severe winds in the mountains near Los Angeles. Official recommendations include avoiding mountain travel and activities, especially on Friday the 24th and Saturday the 25th.

Winter weather has already begun affecting neighborhoods in and around Los Angeles. Videos show snow, rain, and hail affecting citizens from Pasadena to the Pauma Valley near San Diego. Excessive precipitation puts many nearby areas at risk for rapid-onset flooding. Witness the beginning of these winter storms in the videos below.

Andrew Rorke, a senior forecaster with the NWS office in Oxnard, told the Los Angeles Times that the storms could be “a snowmaker of the likes we have not seen for many years.” The last time a similar weather warning affected the area was in 1989.

On Highway 76 and Harolds Road in Pauma Valley, snow has already started falling. Forecasters say these conditions could last through the weekend.

Stay safe through the storms by avoiding roads (if possible), preparing for potential power outages, and reading up on more safety tips here.

Browns announce cold weather allowances for fans attending Week 16 Saints game

Browns announce cold weather allowances for fans attending Week 16 Saints game, allowing guests to bring their own blankets and thermos:

Hey, that’s generous of them: the Cleveland Browns announced that fans attending Week 16’s game with the New Orleans Saints may bring some of their own accommodations in light of the severe winter weather impacting the area. With temperatures plunging near zero overnight and kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. ET/noon CT on Saturday, the Browns are allowing fans to bring their own blankets, thermos, and portable chargers for heated apparel.

Of course there are some stipulations. Thermoses are limited to a volume of 20 ounces, size restrictions are in effect for batteries (non dry cells only, please), and battery packs must be disconnected during security checks at the gates. You can get more into the specifics from the team’s release here.

And props to you if you’re braving the winter storm and making the trip. There have been nationwide travel complications in recent days and many members of the Saints media corps have been unable to travel to Cleveland themselves due to flight cancellations. With strong wind gusts and several inches of snow in the forecast, this is shaping up for quite a unique spectacle for any Saints fans visiting Ohio. Travel safely, and be mindful of any local weather advisories.

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Best hand warmers to extend your golf season

If your hands stay hot, so does your game.

There’s nothing worse than feeling the vibrations from a shot that doesn’t quite find the center of the club face. That’s why we’ve scoured the internet for some of the best hand warmers on the market so your golf game can thrive despite the cold.

Winterizing your game is a must and we’ve made it simple for you to find the best equipment and accessories proven to help you both look good and play well all winter long.

Whether you’re looking for winter hats, men’s jackets, women’s jackets, men’s winter pants, women’s winter pants, or cold-weather accessories, Golfweek has you covered.

Golfweek’s 2022 Holiday Gift Guide: Winter Golf

Extend the golf season of a loved one with this list of best winter-golf gifts.

The holidays are quickly approaching and so are shipping deadlines to be sure gifts arrive at your house before it’s time to open presents.

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If you’re one to gift practical gifts that can be put to use immediately, this list is for you. Golfweek has compiled the best winter golf essentials, from hoodies to hand warmers, so you can keep moving down your naughty and nice lists.

If nothing here tickles your fancy, check out our other gift guides to make sure every golfer on your list has a smile on their face this holiday season.

GIFT GUIDES: Men’s Apparel | Golf Shoes | Electronics

The world’s most picture-perfect places to learn cross-country skiing

Pack your bags, it’s time to ski!

For those of us who would rather glide along peacefully than torpedo down mountains, cross-country skiing provides a way to get some exercise and enjoy the whitest days of winter. It’s a sport that offers an excellent cardio workout while being low-impact on your joints. Skiing also uses both upper and lower body strength and improves your balance. Plus, cross-country skiing will make your wrists, legs, and collarbone feel safer than downhill skiing.

If you’re a beginning cross-country skier, easy, well-marked trails and a few lessons will give you confidence and improve your technique. Independent sorts can pick up tips from a how-to-ski book. But for those seeking hands-on experience, you can’t go wrong by visiting these six ski destinations for beginners. Here are some of the best places to learn how to cross-country ski.

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These are the 9 best national parks to visit in winter

Cold weather won’t stop these parks from shining.

Some of us are lucky enough to have memories of summertime family trips to national parks. In those warm summer months, the most popular parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite can feel as crowded as Disneyland. But now that kids are back in school, you might be able to have some parks to yourself. A few of these destinations even offer pleasant weather during winter. Of course, other parks may leave you shivering, but the solitude, bare trees, and dramatic snowy beauty are a fair tradeoff. If you want to explore some of the country’s charming cold-weather scenery, check out this list of the best United States national parks to visit during winter.

Learn how to snowshoe with these 5 tips for beginners

Strap on your snowshoes and get outside!

Want to take up a winter sport but avoid the risk of broken bones? You can still get out in the gorgeous, glistening snow without hurtling down a mountain with two skinny sticks attached to your feet. Snowshoeing is a quiet, delightful sport that gets you outside, burns calories, and is accessible to most people who can walk. You just need warm clothes, a pair of snowshoes, and a snowy trail. With minimal practice, you’ll soon be enjoying a walk through a snow-muffled landscape, admiring ice crystals sparkling in the evergreens. If you want to learn how to snowshoe, here are a few tips to get you started.

Best cold-weather gear 2022: Golf accessories

From hand warmers to thermal socks and everything in between, get equipped for winter golf with this accessory list.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, cold weather shouldn’t stop you from playing golf.

Over the past month, Golfweek has helped you get ready for winter golf with a series of our favorite cold weather gear. Last week we gave you our top picks for winter hats. Next up? Accessories.

From hand warmers to cart covers, this list will help you score lower than the temperature outside.

If you’re not one to play when the mercury hovers around the freezing point, take a peek at our top picks for home simulators and indoor training aids. But if you’ll brave the elements and are still on the hunt for some fall/winter gear, check out these lists below.

Men’s Pants | Women’s Pants | Men’s Jackets | Women’s Jackets

Wonderful winter vacation ideas for nature-loving adventurers

You’ll be walking in a winter wonderland.

Before you know it, fall will be over, and winter’s chilly winds will arrive. As the year’s end approaches and hectic holiday times loom, why not take a fun trip to alleviate some stress? If you’re looking for winter vacation ideas, check out these gorgeous destinations around the United States.

Want to trek through the snow and see natural wonders? Consider locations in Alaska and Colorado. Looking for scenic spots in warmer areas? Try visiting tourist havens in Georgia and California. There are even options for people who want to enjoy nature without leaving big cities. Start planning your winter escape with this list of eight stunning destinations.