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Mildest November on record in Trail area

The eleventh month of the year was four degrees milder than the average November, beating previous records set in 1987, 1998 and 1999.
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Beautiful blue skies abounded in the Trail area for most of November - like on the 15th day when crews were on site at the Riverfront Centre prepping to pour foundations.

November was warm - much warmer than usual.

In fact, the eleventh month of the year was four degrees milder than the average November, beating previous records set in 1987, 1998 and 1999.

Daily record highs were reached on three dates, 13.8 C on Nov. 6 and again Nov. 8, then another daily maximum of 12.7 degrees was set on Nov. 14.

Forecaster Ron Lakeman from the Castlegar weather office reports another unusual pattern for November, no snow (two per cent of the norm) and few periods of below zero temperatures. In fact, the mercury only dipped below freezing on two occasions -0.9 C during the early morning of Nov. 17 and -0.9 degrees in the early morning of Nov. 29.

“Very similar to last month, a southwesterly flow with numerous Pacific systems produced extensive cloud cover and frequent rain during the majority of November,” Lakeman said in his month-end report. “The cloud cover was largely responsible for the mild overnight temperatures while the southerly origin of the air mass meant for warmer than normal daytime values,” he added. “The total amount of precipitation, almost all rain, during the month was near normal.”

A more seasonal cool air mass and Pacific disturbance brought the initial wet snowfall, which was minor, the morning of Nov. 30.

Less than one centimetre (cm) of wet snow fell, but rapidly melted on contact.

According to the Red Mountain snow report, 167 cm of snow has fallen to date, leaving an alpine depth of 107 cm.



Sheri Regnier

About the Author: Sheri Regnier

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