If you’ve been feeling like winter just hasn’t lived up to its name this year, you’re not alone. Rochester, along with much of the region, is experiencing an unusually warm and snow-deprived winter season.
Before we delve into the specifics, it’s essential to establish what we mean by “winter.” In meteorological terms, winter encompasses the months of December, January, and February. These three months collectively define the winter season for analysis.
Rochester: Record-Breaking Temperatures
December kicked off the season with an extraordinary warmth, boasting an average temperature of 39.9°F in Rochester. This marked the second warmest December on record for the city, with temperatures soaring nearly 8°F above the historical average.
January continued the trend of above-average temperatures, despite a brief cold snap in the middle of the month. The average temperature for January settled around 30.1°F, approximately 4°F higher than the norm.
While temperatures cooled slightly in the current week, February began with record-breaking highs on February 9th and 10th. As of now, February is running a remarkable 10°F above the historical average. Cumulatively, these warm temperatures place the 2023-2024 winter season as the warmest on record for Rochester since data collection began in 1872.
Historical Context
The current warming trend aligns with a gradual increase in average winter temperatures observed over decades in Rochester. While each winter presents its unique weather patterns, the overall trend indicates a slow but steady warming trend over time.
Despite our current lead in the race for the warmest winter, the title is not yet secure. Approximately two more weeks remain in February, during which colder temperatures could potentially alter the rankings. While a slight cooling trend is expected in the coming days, subsequent forecasts suggest a return to milder weather, possibly maintaining our position at the top of the record books.
As we approach the end of the winter season, Rochester finds itself in a historic battle for warmth. While the outcome remains uncertain, the data paints a clear picture of the remarkable weather patterns shaping the 2023-2024 winter season.
