First weekend of winter filled with record warmth

Mother Nature did not get the memo that this weekend was the start of astronomical winter. Temperatures on Saturday, the Winter Solstice itself, were in the mid 40s to low 50s around the area thanks to abundant sunshine and southwest winds. In fact, the Winter Solstice was warmer than the Spring Equinox for the second year in a row!

Temperatures on Sunday were even warmer, with the entire area rising into the low to mid 50s. This is about 20 to 25 degrees above normal for this time of year. Milwaukee’s high of 54° tied the record high for today which was set back in 1875. West Bend also tied a record high today, while Kenosha and Fond du Lac broke their record high for December 22^nd. 

Temperatures for most of this week will top out in the 40s, but warm weather like this isn’t uncommon during Christmas Week. Temperatures have been above normal nearly every day four of the last five years during Christmas Week . In fact, Milwaukee averages around 4 days with temps above freezing during Christmas Week. Normal highs during this time of year are around 31 degrees.  

Even though we won’t have a white Christmas this year, at least we won’t have any travel concerns leading into Christmas.