This winter was the third mildest in the last 119 years

The winter of 2011-2012 is ending as the 3rd mildest out of the last 119 winters for which temperature data has been recorded.

Decorah weather observer Richard Bernatz says only 23 days between November 1st and February 29th failed to have a high temperature of at least 32 degrees.  Normally, there are 53 days each winter with below freezing high temperatures.  Just five days this winter had a low temperature below zero.  That was 18 fewer days than average.

It was not just warmer, but it was drier, too.  Total snowfall came to 20 inches—15 inches less than the average.  1977-1978 set the all-time record with 58 inches of snow.