We started talking about this coming cold around Christmas-time saying that it could be the coldest open to a new year across the US in many years, even decades.  Well, I would say that idea verified. 

As of today, we have achieved the second longest duration of low temperatures below 34 degrees in Downtown Charleston at 11 days.  I think we will make it 12 tonight, and probably 13 on Thursday morning, which will break the record.  That record has stood since 1940.

I’ve been trolling around today looking for some interesting points from around the region and found a goldmine on Jesse Ferrell’s blog at accuweather.com

- Over 1900 record lows have been broken or tied since Jan. 1 according to the National Climatic Data Center

- Key West, Florida dips to 42 degrees 1/11/10—the second coldest temp ever observed there in 50,000 days.  Shelters had to be opened because most buildings there don’t have heat.  Keep in mind the average low temperature this time of year down there is 65.

- Freeport, Bahamas fell to 41 degrees 1/11/10—tied the coldest temp ever observed (unofficial results)  (UPDATE:  David Bernard with CBS 4 in Miami e-mailed Accuweather to tell them he was able to get in touch with the Bahamian weather service.  The record was NOT broken.  The actual record is 35, not 41.)

- Havana, Cuba fell to 39 degrees 1/11/10—coldest ever observed in Havana

-In Guatemala, Tajumulco, the tallest volcano in Central America is now capped with snow.  The first time snow has ever been observed on the peak.

Brrrrr….  that’s really all you can say.

We will now go into a January thaw for the next couple of weeks with high temperatures near or slightly above seasonal averages beginning Thursday through the first part of next week.  There are signs that the pattern will flip back to a colder look by the first of February.  It is quite possible we could see the same type of extended cold period again this winter.  We will watch it for you, but for now, enjoy the thaw!

Congratulations, you’ve earned it!