COLUMBIA, S.C. — It isn't hard to believe after seeing such a warm December across the Midlands that we have been slacking when it comes to cold nights. While this, could be a sign of a larger trend it does look like much colder weather sticks around through the end of the month.
Climatological winter begins on December 1st. Keeping this in mind, we have only seen four days at or below 29 degrees here in Columbia. This actually ties for the least amount of 20° days through this date on record.
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This lack of "real" cold can be seen as an overall trend over the past few decades here in Columbia. In the 1960s and 70s, each year would average well above 30 days in the 20s. This has changed drastically though over the last few decades with only 25 days on average getting this cold over the last 30 years.
The lack of cold weather can be seen as that, but can also be viewed as yet another change we are going through as we experience warming global temperatures.
This can be clearly seen when you look at the average winter temperature from year-to-year in Columbia which has risen more than 3 degrees according to Climate Central.
Of course, even with the warm, start cold weather is bound to occur and that is what the overall pattern supports through the end of the month. Right now, models are indicating multiple surges of cold Arctic air pushing south out of Canada which would indicate a period where we could start seeing more mornings dipping below freezing.
