December Outlook: Temperatures trend above normal

ABC-57 NEWS -- December's forecast looks dramatically different than November. After the 6th coldest November on record temperatures look to trend above normal, especially early in the month. 

The latest outlook from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center ( CPC) shows a strong signal towards above normal temperatures (Fig 1). This however doesn't mean we're in for any major heat waves, especially when you look at normal temperatures through the month (Table 1). It does show we will likely see more days above freezing than we saw in November. This long-range forecast is looking good so far, as above normal temperatures are forecast through early next week (Fig 3), including 40's this weekend. 

Table 1 December Normal High Temperatures

Unlike temperature, there's no strong signal pointing towards above or below normal precipitation (Fig 3). However factoring in trends for the early part of the month and above normal temperatures snowfall looks to be below normal, at least early in the month. Precipitation as a whole is more questionable as rain often delivers more total water than snow. Normal snowfall for December is 17.3".

In summary December looks warmer and at least early on, drier and less snowy than normal. Of course short term weather patterns can still bring cold days and night and snowfall. You can stay ahead with the latest First Warning Neighborhood Weather Forecast.

Watch Tom's video blog for more on longer range forecasts.