Date: Fri 04-Dec-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

weather-warm-December

Full Text:

Weather Warp: Fast Forward To Spring

(with cut)

BY STEVE BIGHAM

There was a touch of springtime in the air this week as temperatures rose into

the 60s. December came in like a lamb this year.

Around noon Wednesday, temperatures in the Danbury area rose to 65 degrees,

breaking the December 2 record of 62 degrees set in 1982. The average

temperature for this time of year is 43.26 degrees.

The mild weather embraced the whole nation this week. Connecticut was not

alone in enjoying the balmy bliss. Kansas, Nebraska and Vermont all set

records on Monday and Minneapolis, Minn. recorded temperatures in the 70s.

According to Gary Lessor of the Western Connecticut State University weather

center, the jet stream is currently in a zonal mode, flowing from east to west

rather than north to south.

"This is preventing the colder air from settling in the United States. The

cold air is trapped up in Canada," he said.

Mr Lessor said the 60-plus degree weather will be with us until Saturday and

it should remain in the 50s through Monday. On Tuesday, the jet stream will

begin flowing northwest to southeast, pushing the frigid air back our way, he

said.

Nevertheless, there is still no sign of snow in the foreseeable future. The

Westconn weather experts say it may warm up again by the end of next week.

Mr Lessor said Connecticut residents can expect a slightly warmer than normal

winter season with an estimated snowfall of 40-45 inches. The normal snowfall

for a typical winter season is 48 inches. Last year, thanks to El Nino, the

Danbury area received just 15 inches of snow. Three years ago, the area was

hit with 115 inches of the white stuff.

"You're going to notice this winter. It won't be like last year where we said

`where did winter go.' But it won't be one that you'll remember years from

now," he said.

Back on December 29, 1984, the thermometer hit 74 degrees in Danbury,

according to Mr Lessor. That was an unusually warm month as December 13, 17,

18, 29 and 30 all set records. A total of 24 inches of snow fell that year.

What about a white Christmas? It's still too early to tell, experts say. Mr

Lessor said there is usually about a 30 percent chance for snow on Christmas.