Cooler temperatures: still above average |
| Posted: 12/27/2006 03:39:00 PM |
 As we approach the end of the year, climate information will begin to pour in from different agencies regarding every last meteorological measurement that can be monitored accurately through the year. I will throw some stats out at random through the next few days.
First and foremost is our continued lack of measurable snowfall. Yesterday morning, we woke up to a nice sloppy coating of white on grassy surfaces, but that has been the extent of any snowfalls we have had so far this December. There is without a doubt significance in the event that we reach 2007 with nothing more than our coatings to record.
Temperature-wise, this December has been in the top 10 warmest for the northeast region. In Keene, the last day with a below average high temperature was the ninth when temperatures topped out one degree below the average. Today, with a high temperature already recorded at 37 (6 degrees above the average of 31 for 12/27), the streak of above average high temperatures has been extended to 18 days. The forecast period shows no signs of promise for any below average temperatures through the end of 2006.
Looking ahead, we will at least see temperatures below the 40 mark through the rest of the week and into 2007. We have one event of potential significance around New Years. This storm, like the last two, has precipitation issues all over the place.
In addition to the general lack of cold air across North America, the teleconnections are not on our side anyway:
The AO forecast is rediculously high by New Year's Day.
The NAO is projected to rise above +1 for the first time since the 16th
The PNA, after a nice stretch in the positives, could move into the negatives for the first time since our infamously warm November.
High temperatures will still end up struggling into the mid 30s on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, however upper air forecasts are looking bleak with temperatures above freezing. This spells out freezing rain and sleet for this storm. There is a chance of snow shown for Tuesday on the backside of the storm, but that will depend on the resulting track of the low. There are many variable to be determined still, and with the storm 5 to 7 days out, there isnt much confidence in it.
Into 2007, we go. Indications are that the extreme warmth will continue through at least the middle of January. Beyond that, there is still a chance that we could have a late winter starting at the end of January, but I'm not getting my hopes up.
|posted by Sam Lillo @ 12/27/2006 03:39:00 PM 
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