It should be no surprise that December's average temperature was over six degrees warmer than normal. The lack of snow was also impressive, as only 24cm has fallen this month, compared to 128cm last year. The lack of snow and warm temperatures contributed to a green (and rainy) Christmas.
However, this was not the warmest December in the last ten years; 2015 was almost a full degree warmer and was the last time we had a green Christmas. In 2015, there was slightly more snow, but not much.
2023 also ends, and the Sault area will end up 1.3 degrees warmer than the 30-year average, with December playing a large part in that unusual heat. Slightly warmer-than-normal conditions are in the forecast for the first several days of January, and the lack of snow continues.
Friday will be mostly sunny, but a cool, light, northerly wind will drop temperatures to +3°C. Saturday will be partly cloudy, with daytime highs near +1°C.
Sunday and Monday will be mostly cloudy, with some brief afternoon sun and temperatures near -1°C.