Weather Whiplash: Hot, Cold, and Everything In Between

Welcome to 2025, where last year's weather was as unpredictable as a rollercoaster ride. Coeur d’Alene saw six high temperature records shattered in 2024, with March being particularly toasty. The thermometer hit a record 71 degrees on March 16, followed by two more record-breaking days. But wait, there's more! July was scorching, with temperatures soaring to 101 and 102 degrees on consecutive days. Even September got in on the action with a high of 97 degrees. But it wasn't all sunshine and warmth. January 13 brought a bone-chilling -17 degrees, a stark contrast to the rest of the year. Precipitation records were also broken, with February and May seeing more moisture than usual. Snowfall was another story, with only 3. 1 inches recorded during the snowfall season, a far cry from the normal amount. Across the U. S. , the weather was just as crazy. Hurricane Helene caused over $124 billion in damage, and heatwaves were common. Del Rio, Texas hit a blistering 112 degrees, and Las Vegas saw its first-ever 120-degree day. Tornadoes were also on the rise, with 1, 760 reported by late December. Looking ahead, the forecast for Coeur d’Alene is dry and cold, with a chance of snow in the higher elevations. The long-range models predict more snow after the middle of the month. So, grab your sunscreen and your snow boots, because who knows what Mother Nature has in store for us next!