Rochester is experiencing its warmest winter on record with an average temperature of 35.6° for the 2023-2024 meteorological winter, surpassing previous records of 34.5° (1931-1932), 33.7° (1889-1890), 33.4° (2001-2002), and 33.0° (2015-2016). With approximately two weeks left, this season is likely to be among the top 10, possibly top 15 warmest winters since records began in 1871, marking 25 straight days with above-normal temperatures. This trend is not isolated to Rochester, as many cities across the Midwest, according to a map by Ian Livingston, are expected to have their warmest winter on record for December through February. Despite a brief period of snow and cold, long-range models predict much above-normal temperatures for the last two weeks of February, continuing the pattern of this 'lost winter'. The Contiguous US is also on track to record its warmest winter as long as temperatures remain at or above normal, or even up to 1.3F below normal, according to station data and extended outlooks.
Using station data, the winter of 2023-24 (Dec-Feb) in the Contiguous US will finish as the warmest on record as long as the last two weeks of the month are at or above normal (actually at or above 1.3F below normal). Looking at the extended outlook, it is a very high likelihood. https://t.co/rn4AxjibG6
Look at all of these cities that are expected to have their warmest winter (December thru February) on record. Map by Ian Livingston. https://t.co/uSnStTvaiD https://t.co/IJ6ZMWiwcZ
Even after a quick shot of snow + cold, the "lost winter" in the Midwest is poised to continue during the last 2 weeks of February. Long-range models show much above normal temps and many cities will lock in their warmest winter (Dec-Feb) on record. ⬇️ https://t.co/8Agpgk2Snb
👀WINTER 23-24 UPDATE: Just over 2 weeks left in Climatological Winter, and it’s looking likely that we’re headed for a top 10 (easily top 15) warmest winter since observations began in 1871! Thursday will make 25 straight days with above normal temps! 🔥 https://t.co/GMMsj5Ko2K
HOME STRETCH: With roughly 2 weeks of meteorological winter remaining, Rochester is currently in the midst of the warmest winter on record (average temperature). 1. 35.6° (2023-2024) 2. 34.5° (1931-1932) 3. 33.7° (1889-1890) 4. 33.4° (2001-2002) 5. 33.0° (2015-2016) Relatively… https://t.co/aMgbAp7XpZ