Frigid temperatures this weekend prompt cold weather advisories

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The numbers are in for meteorological winter 2019-20. 

 it was the 6th mildest winter on record for the lower 48 states. 

For residents of the eastern U.S., this was like a year with winter in many areas. Mild temperatures and scant snowfall made this the easiest winter in years for much of the eastern U.S. 

It was the 2nd warmest winter on record in Boston.

It was the 7th warmest winter on record for New York City.

Here are some winter highlights from Friday’s NOAA report.

Upper air patterns tend to produce opposite effects in the lower 48 states and Alaska. This winter was no exception.

Temperatures in the Twin Cities ran about 3 degrees warmer than average during the December to February period. But snowfall was near average in the Twin Cities and Rochester. 

But mild weather in early March really ate away at snow cover. Take a look and compare it to when we had deep snow on the ground 1 year ago. 

It’s interesting to note that even though winter was mild, it was still cold enough to keep snow on the ground for the duration of meteorological winter. Here’s some perspective on the duration of snow cover this winter from the Minnesota DNR Climate Working Group.

Right now I still don’t see any big March snow chances on the maps. Yet.

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Paul Huttner

Author

Mild temperatures dominated the lower 48 states this winter. 

6th warmest winter on record for most of U.S.

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