As "meteorological winter" draws to a close, you will probably hear a lot about it. Jeremy and Chris have been telling you all week that we are currently on pace for the 2nd warmest "meteorological winter" on record and we have seen more 50 degree days this "meteorological winter" than ever recorded. So, what is "meteorological winter"?!?
Meteorologists and climatologists, the people that actually study this type of thing, define winter as the 3 coldest months of the year. On average that’s December, January, and February. That means on March 1 winter is over! The dictionary, however, will probably tell you that winter begins with the winter solstice and ends with the vernal (spring) equinox, which happens to be March 20 at 12:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time this year. Your calendar probably also notes March 20 as the first day of spring. That’s "astronomical winter" and there is nothing wrong with that definition of winter except that it has nothing to do with the weather.
So, when you hear meteorologists refer to winter, we are talking about Dec 1 – Feb 29. That includes the "record books" too. In other words, the "2nd warmest winter on record" means it was the 2nd warmest December, January and February combined. By the way, Saturday will be near or slightly cooler than average, but temps soar back in the 50s for Sunday and Monday. That means we will finish out "winter" on a warm note…stay tuned for an update on the "winter" records. Ironically, it will feel a little more winter-like last next week.
If you see a meteorologist on Tuesday, be sure to wish him or her a "happy spring!"
