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Spring-Like Christmas: Millions Face Unprecedented Warmth
22 Dec
Summary
- Nearly 280 million Americans to experience above-average temperatures.
- Over 40 cities across 12 states may see their warmest Christmas on record.
- More than 100 record highs challenged this holiday week.
This year, the Christmas holiday season is ushering in spring-like temperatures for a significant portion of the United States. A persistent high-pressure system over the Central U.S. is driving above-average warmth, affecting an estimated 280 million Americans. This unusual weather pattern means many will be celebrating Christmas in conditions more akin to spring than winter.
Across the Western U.S., cities like Denver and Phoenix are already experiencing temperatures in the 70s and 80s, significantly exceeding late December averages. As Christmas Eve and Christmas Day approach, this record warmth is expected to expand eastward, impacting the Central Plains. Over 40 locations are forecast to reach their highest Christmas temperatures on record, with some potentially setting new benchmarks for the warmest December day.
The unusual warmth is not confined to a few areas; more than 100 record high temperatures are anticipated to be challenged throughout the holiday week, including several that have stood for over a century. This trend of higher-than-average temperatures is projected to continue even after the holiday concludes, with the Central U.S. remaining the focal point of this widespread warmth.
