Weird Winter Weather Across U.S.

Jan. 13, 2006 — -- Sunshine and 57 degrees. Can this really be Chicago in January?

Today will be the 22nd straight day of above-normal temperatures in parts of the Midwest. In the Northeast, New Yorkers will likely trade sweaters for short sleeves. The normal temperature in New York City for this time of year is 38 degrees, but today's forecast is 54. Boston's normal is 36 -- today's forecast is 56. And in Washington D.C., the normal temperature is 42 degrees. Today, try 62.

This week, the Department of Energy revised its forecast for home-heating costs this winter. Homeowners will still be paying more than last year, but not as much as first thought.

"The good thing about these warm temperatures, it saved us an awful lot of money," said Phil Flynn, energy trader for Alaron Trading Corp.

Bernie Rayno, meteorologist for Accuweather, explained the warm-weather phenomenon.

"The reason for the warmth across the United States is a westerly flow," Rayno said. "In a westerly flow, the air comes from the Pacific and as it comes down from the eastern side of the Rockies, it warms and it dries. And that's the air mass that we've been under."

That warm air is then propelled straight across the country by the current jet stream -- what's called a strong "Pacific jet."

But the pleasant weather isn't being felt everywhere in the U.S. There are record rains in Seattle, bizarre winter wildfires in Colorado, and drought so bad in Arizona that water reservoirs are running dangerously low.

"The pattern we're in right now is somewhat strange, leaving some areas quite wet, some areas quite dry," said Bob Glancy of the U.S. Weather Service.

Put simply, the West has been cut in two by a powerful jet stream that's sending all of the precipitation north -- leaving almost nothing for southwestern states.

The result is a total drenching of Oregon and Washington -- wreaking havoc on homes and hillsides. In the process, the rains also have nearly broken the region's rainy day record.

"I've had enough!" said Seattle resident Helene Cho. "I don't care about the record!"

Northern Colorado is getting that rain in the form of a massive snowfall. But the southern part of the state is getting nothing, resulting in unusual winter wildfires.

Arizona is also worried about wildfires. Phoenix hasn't had a single drop of rain since Oct. 18. Last year was the exact opposite.

One piece of potentially good news: Forecasters say the storm track may change soon, shifting more moisture to the south.