Lack of the white stuff and warmer than seasonal temperatures gave city residents something to talk about last month.
Environment Canada meteorologist Colin Fong said in January a total of 6.6 cm of snow was measured at the Red Deer Airport, compared to 42.8 cm in January 2011 and the average snowfall of 21.4 cm.
“We didn’t see any major systems move through because the jet stream didn’t really dip down to the south as it usually does,” said Fong.
“That gives way for systems to pass through.”
Much like last year, there were distinctive cold snaps and warm spells throughout January.
The warmest high temperature recorded was 10.2C on Jan. 4, which nearly reached the record temperature of 10.9C. Last year, the warmest day was on Jan. 26, when temperatures reached 9.6C.
Between Jan. 16 and Jan. 19, temperatures dipped well below -20C and even chiller with the windchill. The most frigid day was Jan. 18 at -34.6C, compared to -37.2C in January 2011.
Fong said then the weather gradually became warmer with temperatures in the range of zero degrees and a few degrees warmer. On Jan. 21, the temperature reached 0C.
“With the arctic air that came down you usually want a strong system moving through. It’s usually those systems that bring in those milder airs,” he said.
“That system was strong enough to push away some of that arctic air. It only takes a few days for the arctic air to retreat as a result.
Then the jet stream lifted north and because of that, it protected (the area) from the arctic air coming back down.”
The average maximum temperature was -2.7C, compared to -7.1C in January 2011 and the normal temperature of -7.2C.
The average minimum temperature for January was -14.9C, compared to -17.8C and the normal of -19.1C.
The warm weather is expected to continue with a high of -1C today and a high of 3C on Friday.
Residents can expect more of the balmy weather with highs in the neighbourhood of 4C throughout the weekend.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com