How about that rain this week, San Jose? Believe it or not, this cold weather front signals the start of our local winter weather patterns.
Thanks to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, we already know what temperatures and precipitation trends to expect in our city for December, January, and February. While exact weather conditions typically can’t be predicted more than a week in advance, here’s a seasonal outlook to help you prepare for what winter will bring.
Reminder: The first day of winter is on Wednesday, Dec. 21.
🌡️ Temperature
Think “light jacket” weather. This winter, San Jose has a 33-40% chance of temperatures being higher than normal.
🌨️ Precipitation
Our city is predicted to experience ordinary rainfall amounts this winter. (But we can always hope for more, right?)
☀️ Drought
All that water conservation may have paid off... while drought conditions may persist, we’ll likely see some improvements this season.
If you squint — you may see San Jose’s only snow on the tippy-top of Mount Hamilton.
Photo via @chambsbohn
December
Despite the fact that our winters are pretty mild, December will be our coldest month with an average high of 56.5°F and an average low of 43°F. We’ll also see the greatest average amount of winter precipitation — with roughly seven days and 18mm of rain predicted. Hmmm, on second thought, maybe bring a scarf and umbrella to your night stroll through Christmas in the Park...
January
Temperature highs will rise by a couple of degrees, but lows will stay low, so keep bundled. We may see slightly less rain at only six days of precipitation. But, heads up (literally), January is Mount Hamilton’s snowiest month, with five inches on average.
February
Temperature and precipitation are typically identical to January — however, expect the return of heavier showers at 17mm of precipitation. Get ready: This wet trend will continue as we enter spring, as March is San Jose’s rainiest month.
