Although I knew that January, 2012 was milder than normal, it still surprised me to learn that this past month was the 8th mildest January ever in Galveston, with records going back to January, 1872. In fact, it was the warmest January on the Island since January, 1952.
January temperatures followed this pattern on the mainland as well where the 58.4 degree average for the month was 5.8 degrees above established norms at the National Weather Service Office in League City/Dickinson. This compared to a 61.1 degree monthly average at Scholes Field in Galveston, which was 5.9 degrees above normal.
The lowest temperature for the month in Galveston was only 38 degrees and the highest was 75. In League City, the lowest was 28 degrees and the highest was 78.
Precipitation for the month was below normal in Galveston, though it could hardly be considered a "dry" month with 3.01" recorded (1.19" less than normal). League City received 6.33", though it must be noted that 5.18" of that total fell on one day.
Looking ahead, the intermediate-term forecasts are suggesting cooler and wetter weather than normal through mid-February. While this is good news for those hoping to avoid a repeat of last year's late winter drought (with only 0.67" measured in February), it may cause some complications for the upcoming Mardi Gras festivities. Current forecasts suggest rain for this weekend, and at least one model is calling for fairly decent amounts of rain for the first Friday of Mardi Gras....when, perhaps appropriately, another umbrella parade is scheduled in Galveston.
Of course, that is looking fairly far ahead and stands a good chance of being revised as that date comes nearer. We shall see!
Below are links associated with this topic:
Weekend Precipitation Outlook6-10 Day Weather Outlook8-14 Day Weather Outlook
