January's Outlook

Happy New Year! Now that the calendar has flipped over to January, 2016 we turn our eyes towards the expected weather pattern for the month. The Climate Prediction Center has issued an updated temperature and precipitation outlook for the month of January. Overall, for the Stateline, it looks like the month will average out to roughly normal regarding precipitation and temperatures.

Temperatures are expected to near average, if not slightly above, by the time the month of January comes to an end. However, the core of the above average temperatures will shift northward into Southern Canada. This is different than what we saw in December, which featured a higher likelihood of seeing above average temperatures across the Stateline. So, if you were not a fan of the milder temperatures, January's outlook is slightly better. Some cold outbreaks will likely make their way into the Midwest and Great Lakes, which is something that was essentially absent throughout the month of January.

In terms of precipitation, the month of January is forecast to contain slightly drier than average conditions. However, with the Stateline's location on this map, it will likely factor out to be nearly average regarding precipitation for the month. In a typical January, we see roughly 10" of snowfall. Therefore, if this outlook comes to fruition, the area can expect roughly 10" of snow by the end of the month. December saw a lack of snowfall with 4.5" falling. Our average snowfall for December is roughly 11". So, snow lovers can rejoice...a little. More snow is expected in January overall than what we saw in December.