With this winter being the total opposite of last winter so far, I decided to review and analyze the data so far.  The information I present to you in this post is from December and January, from the official records at Norfolk International Airport.   Obviously, inland locations have had some much colder nights and warmer days, but this data is more than sufficient for year-to-year comparisons.

Overall, the contrast in the two years is dramatic.  December 2011 was over 15 degrees warmer than December 2010!  We followed that amazing month with a warm start to new year.  January came in over 11 degrees warmer than January 2011.  While we have not set any records on individual days, the consistency of well above average temperatures has been incredible.

Let’s take a more in-depth look at the statistics.  For the record, the average high in Norfolk in early December is in the mid 50s.  It lowers into the upper 40s by the end of the month and stays there through early February, then rises back into the mid 50s by the end of February.  Average lows during the winter start out near 40, inching back into the lower 30s for January, before rising into the upper 30s by the end of February.

We all know how cold the winter of 2010-11 was.  We had the 4th coldest December on record in Norfolk, with 13 days producing high temperatures below 40 degrees.   Compare that to this year, when December didn’t have a high temperature below 47 degrees!  In fact, 28 of the 31 days had high temperatures of 50 degrees or higher!  January 2011 had 12 days where the high failed to reach 40. This January produced just 2 days with a high below 40.

This winter, there have been a whopping 29 days of high temperatures at or above 60 degrees.  Last year, we only had 3 during December and January.  On the low side (minimum temperatures), we have only dipped below 30 degrees 5 times this winter at Norfolk International Airport.  Last December and January, we did that 35 times!

As I mentioned, we haven’t set any records this winter and it’s doubtful we’ll finish up as the warmest on record.  Through the end of January, we sit at 8th on the all-time list.  We shall see what the rest of February has in store!

Mike Goldberg