While it wasn't a record-breaker, this January was very wet and unseasonably mild in London.
According to Environment Canada, the region saw average daytime highs of 2 C throughout the month. That is roughly six degrees higher than normal for this time of year; -4 C.
"The last time we have seen conditions this warm was back in 2006. That January had an average daytime high of 3.2 C," said Environment Canada Meteorologist Gerald Cheng. "When the jet stream rises north of southern Ontario it pulls a lot of that warm air toward the region and that is why we have been seeing some very warm temperatures."
Cheng expects the mild conditions will continue into February, but cautions that doesn't mean the area won't see a major freeze before winter comes to an end.
"Looking at the next two weeks, we are going to stay on this above seasonal trend. However, keep in mind frigid temperatures and snow can still come in March and April. So don't put away your shovels, winter coats, and boots yet," said Cheng.
The southern half of the province was hit by storm systems three weekends in a row in January. While the first of the systems packed a snowy punch, the remaining two predominantly came down as straight rain because of the lack of arctic air.
Overall, 128.9 millimetres of precipitation (both rain and snow) fell across the London area this month.
"Usually we see about 74 millimetres, so we are way above the average monthly precipitation amount. The last time we've seen this much precipitation was back in 1978 when we got 133 millimetres ," said Cheng.
He added that the month is more of an anomaly than a sign of warmer winters to come.
