Mild weather now, cold pattern returning

Temperatures this week will be changeable but overall above average. The 30 year average high for the end of December is 38 degrees which we will be above each day through the weekend. The outlook until the start of January is for above average temperatures. Any precipitation through January 2nd looks like it will be mainly rain as we stay in the mild pattern.

However, medium range forecast models and teleconnection patterns indicate we are heading into another cold weather pattern which will take shape by the second week of January as a blocking ridge of high pressure sets up over the north Pacific Ocean, forcing the jet stream to dive south into the central U.S. If this pattern develops, we are looking at below average temperatures for the first half of January as arctic air plunges southward. We will also have a better chance of measurable snow by the middle of January. Below is the temperature outlook from January 3-9.