Make no mistake about it — Austin Caviness is a big guy. Standing 6-foot-7, the WXII 12 meteorologist leaves a large impression on viewers, co-workers, and just about everyone else he meets. But there’s one thing that makes this jolly giant of a weatherman feel like a kid all over again:

“Snow,” he says. “It’s what I dream of every year — a season with lots of snow.”

He’s not kidding. Caviness says he starts checking the weather patterns at the end of summer to try to gauge the snowfall potential for the upcoming winter. It’s a fascination that dates all the way back to his childhood, when the lifelong North Carolinian would stand in front of his bathroom mirror, pretending to be a forecaster in the midst of a giant snowfall. “My parents were a little concerned before they understood exactly what I was doing,” Caviness recalls, laughing.

He followed this fascination to Appalachian State University, where he majored in broadcasting, and then to UNC Asheville, where he earned his meteorology degree. After working a few years in the Eastern part of the state, Caviness brought his down-home charm to the Triad. For the past 11 years, he’s served as the smiling face on WXII’s early morning broadcasts, becoming one of the most popular and trusted meteorologists in the area.

While he admits that the early wakeup times, multiple live shots, and repetitive weather patterns can make the job a challenge, it’s all worth it, he says, when the winter weather rolls into town.

Q. It’s been said that we’re supposed to have an especially cold winter this year. What are your thoughts on this?
A.I have found that trying to predict this accurately resembles trying to place bets in a good ole’ fashioned crapshoot (laughs). I rely more on averages and cycles than anything else. Based on that, we’re due to have near- to slightly below-normal temperatures this winter, with near- or above-normal snowfall. I expect we’ll see back and forth cold and warm spells with at least one snow of 4 inches or more.

Q. How far in advance can you predict a winter storm?
A.Sometimes a week or two if you know how to follow trends and patterns. I stay on top of looking out for the next two weeks and work backwards from there.

Q. Generally, how many inches of rain equals one inch of snow?
A. A nice average equivalent is the 10-to-1 ratio, whereas every one inch of rain equals ten inches of snow. What is most accurate, though, is how super-cooled the air above is, and its ability to produce much higher ratios — sometimes 12- or 15-to-1.

Q. How important is the dew point when talking about snow?
A. Very important, especially at the onset of an event. The lower the dew point in relation to the temperature, the drier the air is. When clouds generating precipitation begin to arrive, a portion of it may evaporate before making it to the ground. This can mean less snow than we expected.

Q. What’s the difference between freezing rain and sleet?
A.Both are leftovers from a melted snowflake. Once a snowflake melts, it cannot reform ever again. Only when temperatures cool again can more flakes develop and make it to the ground. In the case of freezing rain, the flake melts as it falls through an above layer and turns into a raindrop. When it makes it to the surface [where temperatures are 32 degrees or below] it will freeze on surfaces. Sleet is almost the exact same process, but the raindrop falls into a colder surface temperature [in the 20s or so] and refreezes into an ice pellet.

Q. If a winter storm is approaching, what’s something you try to tell viewers?
A. Make sure you have a way to stay warm in case the power goes out. This could be firewood, blankets, candles, etc. We tend to be more worried about having enough food in the pantry instead of enough blankets on the bed.

Q. Although it’s discouraged, do you have any tips for driving in winter weather?
A. Being patient is the best approach. You cannot drive your normal speed and make quick stops with your brakes. People that grasp this can generally manage their travels pretty well. The two most dangerous times to travel are when it first starts coming down heavily and sticking to the roadways, and also a day or two later when roads have been cleared. That’s because a false sense of security arises. But be warned that very small ice spots can turn a smooth commute into a big jump in your insurance premiums!

Q. What is the coldest temperature ever recorded in Winston-Salem?
A. 4 below zero — Super Bowl weekend, 1985.

Q. What’s the biggest snowfall in Winston-Salem’s history?
A. 12 inches on March 9, 1960. I enjoy listening to locals recall that month. It actually snowed once a week for the entire month — that’s what I call a dream pattern!
You can catch Caviness’ forecast weekday mornings on WXII 12 News.