JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Could visions of highs in the 80s be in the forecast for Jacksonville this Christmas? It’s happened before, but don’t bank on it this year.
Tuesday might be Jacksonville’s last gasp for an 80-degree day this December. As we head towards the holiday season, temperatures are expected to dip into the 70s – pleasant, but a far cry from a few warm December years recently gifted to us.
A big chill since last month
November spoiled us with an average temperature 5.5 degrees above normal and a whopping 16 days at 80 degrees or higher. This December, however, has been more like a cold snap, with all but two days being colder than usual. We’ve even had five freezes already and not one day reached 80!
So, is an 80-degree day in December a rare bird?
It’s certainly becoming less common. While decades have passed since an entire winter lacked a single 80-degree day, this December’s chill is a stark contrast to the warming trend we’ve seen in recent years.
But what about a warm Christmas?
It’s not impossible! Jacksonville has seen five Christmases reach 80 degrees or higher. The warmest was a toasty 82 degrees in 2015, followed by 81 degrees in 2008 and 1984.
While this December’s chill may seem like a departure from the warming trend, it’s important to remember that global warming has led to milder winters overall. Looking back to 1938, the average number of 80-degree days in December has risen, reaching a record-breaking 28 days last year.
So, while an 80-degree Christmas in Jacksonville might be a long shot this year, the possibility of warmer winters in the future is the track we are headed.