It should not come as a surprise to anyone, but thanks to El Niño this past climatological winter (Dec-Feb) was cooler and wetter than normal in the city. Since daily minimums were about average the cooler weather was largely due to lower than normal high temperatures. Globally, however, preliminary satellite data indicate that this past winter was one of the warmest ever recorded.

The cooler and wetter trend continues today as yet another nor'easter is in the neighborhood. This one, however, should stay far enough south that it won't produce much snow in the city. Look for a light rain/snow mix and temperatures holding steady in the upper 30s this afternoon. The storm will gradually move out to sea but tomorrow is likely to be cloudy all day.

After tomorrow winter's grip begins to loosen. A ridge of high pressure moves in from the Midwest and nobody's going to want it to return to Ohio. Skies will start to clear on Friday and by Sunday the city will see high temperatures approaching 50 degrees.