GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – Friday is the first day of winter, even though it might not feel or look like it yet.
Meteorologists are saying they expect the mild temperatures to continue, meaning you can keep that heavy winter coat in the closet for a few more weeks still.
A quick look out the window reveals a mainly brown landscape that’s a far cry from the “White Christmas” Bing Crosby famously sang about.
Jeff Last, with the National Weather Service of Green Bay, says these temps have not been helpful for building a snowman.
“As we look at the first few weeks of December, temperatures averaged about five-degrees above normal,” he says.
That’s been frustrating for ice fisherman that have been twiddling their thumbs waiting for a cold snap.
Last says they might still be waiting for another month or so.
“I don’t see any real bitter cold air moving in until perhaps into the second part of January or February,” he explains.
And the warmer temperatures mean much less snow on the ground than is typical for this time of year.
“We’ve only had about seven inches of snow so far,” says Last. “That’s about five or so inches below average.”
He says if you’re a Christmas traditionalist hoping for a dusting in the 11th hour, don’t hold your breath.
“Now with mainly just brown ground, we may not end up seeing a white Christmas this year,” explains Last.
While temperatures have been abnormally warm, he reminds everyone that the coldest dates of the year, on average, are still to come.
“The coldest period is the second half of January,” he says. “Usually in the middle of the winter time is that period where we have the best chance for those arctic outbreaks.”
