Reports Reveal Warmest Winter On Record For Contiguous U.S.

According to scientists from NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information, the average temperature for the contiguous U.S. during this winter (December through February) was 4.6°F above the 20th century average, a new record.

NOAA Winter 2015-2016 average temperatures map

Map courtesy of NOAA

Alaska was the only exception as it experienced its second warmest winter on record.

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The news shouldn’t come as much of a surprise with all the attention that has been given to what is being called one of the strongest El Niño events on record.

Regarding winter precipitation, the total for the contiguous U.S. was 1.26 inches above the 20th century average, ranking it the 12th wettest winter on record for the Lower 48 states and the wettest since 1997-1998, another extra strength El Niño-influenced stretch of weather.

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