While northern Europe and Asia are experiencing unusually cold winter weather, here in the center of North America winter has been unusually mild of late. Temperatures are about 15 degrees above average in January, and today they’re expected to climb well into the 40s in southern Minnesota. We’re on track to have the warmest January in Minnesota since 1846, according to the Minnesota Climatology Working Group. We may also go an entire January without subzero temperatures for only the second time since 1891. In addition, we’ve had only an inch of snow this month.

Meteorologists tell us that a split jet stream is partly responsible for this situation as its northern branch holds colder air far to the north and allows warm Pacific air to drift over the region. Meanwhile, the jet stream’s southern branch holds stormy weather to the south. We’re in a calm no-man’s-land in between.

For a winter sports enthusiast like myself, the warm weather is disappointing. However, I’ve come up with a formula that helps me cope with winter no matter what the temperature. If it’s unusually warm, as it is now, I get to enjoy more comfortable weather and the convenience of wearing less clothing. If it’s colder, say with highs in the twenties or low thirties, I can do winter sports such as skiing, sledding, and skating (provided snow and ice are available). If it’s really cold, with temperatures or windchills from the low teens to below zero, I can stay inside and catch up on reading and household projects.

Although I’m disappointed I won’t be skiing for a while, maybe I can get my bike out again. I’ve already had it out once during this unusual January.

This entry was posted on Friday, January 27th, 2006 at 11:02 am and is filed under Winter.