January Thaw Coming A Week Late...

After a record warm December, January ended up cooler than normal/average.  While we didn't have any super cold, much of the eastern U.S. suffered with snow & cold.  Typically in late January there is what's called the "January thaw" or a spell of milder/warmer weather after many weeks below freezing.  Well, that didn't happen, but models are showing there will be a warm up the rest of this week for many with the exceptions being the Great Lakes and Northeast.

For most of December, there was an upper ridge over the Southeast and a trough over the West.  That flipped in January resulting in lots of clear skies over the West with mild to warm temps.  There will be several "clippers" coming out of Canada, but they will stay far enough to our north that our next front won't come until late Saturday.

The higher sun angle is beginning to work its magic as the snow cover across Texas & Oklahoma is gone.  Note the 60s up into Nebraska.

That warming trend will continue through Saturday with chilly nights and mild to warm days.  Our average/normal high now is up to 65.  Since we have been so chilly, just to get back to normal will feel nice.

Clouds have now cleared us and sunshine will be around for the rest of this week.  There are no signs of return moisture yet.

There will be widespread frost across the North Shore, but northerly winds should keep the South Shore warmer.   I am not bringing any of my plants inside, but will give it another look before I go to sleep.  Stay tuned!