January finishes warm, but not close to record

By Rod Hill on 2015-02-01

January finishes above normal at PDX, but not warm enough to make the list of top five months. The mean temperature for January 2015 was 43.4 degrees, a full two degrees above normal, but typically three degrees above normal is needed to break into record territory.

January was memorable for the 17 days warming to 50 degrees and higher. The total is the most since 2000 and perhaps much longer. The month also hit 60 degrees twice, which was the most for January since 2003.

In terms of history, both 2006 and 2010 had warmer starts to the year than last month. The warmest January on record occurred back in 1953. The mean temperature that month was 47.3 degrees, nearly four degrees warmer than what Portland just experienced!

Rainfall was below normal last month, but still more than 3.00" fell at PDX. The water year total going back to October 1st continues to be near normal to date with more than 18" in the rain bucket. Of course the snowpack on Mt. Hood is simply melting away with less than 40% of normal on the ground and more rain then snow in the upcoming forecast. Mt Hood has seen plenty of moisture this season, but snow levels have been high, bringing rain to slopes that typically see snow this time of year.

Meteorologist Rod Hill, follow me @