Two Warm Temp Records Broken Overnight

Rising temperatures Monday evening into early Tuesday broke two records in short order.

As most Rhode Islanders were sleeping, the high temperature broke 61 degrees at around 11 p.m. on Monday and reached 64 as of 3 a.m., according to the National Weather Service.

The previous records were 59 and 62 degrees for Dec. 14 and 15 respectively.

While the warm weather has kept home furnaces from cranking, possibly diverting a few extra dollars into holiday shopping, the unusually balmy conditions are troubling to some, especially those wishing for a white Christmas.

Along with the warm weather, Tuesday came with strong winds, prompting a Wind Advisory from the National Weather Service. It remains in effect until 6 p.m. and some areas could see gusts as high as 45 mph.

The above-normal temperatures will continue through the rest of the week, though they’ll be a bit cooler than the springlike weather Monday and Today. The high for Wednesday is 47 degrees. On Thursday, it is expected to be 54 degrees.

As far as the record, the temperature on Tuesday has gradually ticked down since the overnight high. By tonight, temperatures will be in the upper 30s.

Local meteorologist Jim Laurie notes that the mild air is being pushed away by a cold front, which means drier but cooler air.

There could be some rain on Thursday and Friday before what is expected to be a weekend marked with seasonable and cold weather.