A Historical Perspective on these Warm Temperatures

Good afternoon ECWA followers!

An upper level ridge and high pressure at the surface is keeping things warm for a majority of us on the east coast. It’s certainly warmer than average, but how do we stand versus normal and record temperatures? Many have been asking if this is the warmest air mass we have ever seen for this time of year on the east coast. Let’s take a look at three eastern cities for the next few days to see if that is the case.

*Data taken from local NWS offices*

Boston, MA             Normal Temperature     Record Temperature     Forecasted Temperature (2018)

January 20th                            33                                        60 – 1951                                                47

January 21st                             33                                        68 – 1906                                                49

January 22nd                           33                                        66 – 1916                                                 40

Temperatures are forecasted to be nearly +15 degrees from normal temperatures for this time of year. However, Boston is no where near record temperatures for these dates.

Charlotte, NC

January 20th                            51                                        71 – 1951                                                  62

January 21st                             51                                        73 – 1935                                                 64

January 22nd                           51                                        74 – 1937                                                 61

Temperatures are forecasted to be +10-15 degrees from normal temperatures for this time of year. However, Charlotte is nearly 10 degrees cooler from record temperatures observed historically.

Roanoke, VA

January 20th                           46                                        69 – 1951                                                 61

January 21st                            46                                         74 – 1932                                                60

January 22nd                          46                                         74 – 1932                                                58

Temperatures are forecasted to be +10-15 degrees from normal temperatures for this time of year. However, Roanoke is nearly 15 degrees cooler from record temperatures observed historically.

Summary : While we are certainly enjoying above average temperatures for this time of the year, record highs and heat are no where near record temperatures observed in the past on these days. It has been hotter before on these days. This is not an extraordinary event, but it certainly is an enjoyable one!

—Matt

Author: Michael Griffith

I have had a passion for the weather since a very young age and am a degreed meteorologist. I have a Bachelor of Science from Penn State University and a Master's from Plymouth State University. If you ever see me out and about in the Charlotte, NC area, be sure to say hi!