[Thu 1/1/26 – Sat 1/31/26, rural Central Oregon High Desert – near normal]
First 9 days of January received 0.91” (plus 2 days of a trace) – 99% of the precip for the entire month – as a little over half in rain the first several days, before turning to snow.  Only a trace of graupel (on the 22nd) and 0.01” rain (on the 29th) the rest of the month.  NWS’s Winter Weather Advisory issued for Jan 6-8 was followed by an Air Stagnation Advisory (i.e., an inversion) that ultimately lasted 15 days.  While inversions are typical here, the length of this one seemed extreme.  Both daytime highs and lows were above normal for the month, with news reports confirming what was obvious without even looking at the thermometer!  Daily highs averaged 48°F, in a range of 32-62°F.  The lows were similarly warm: an average of 17°F and a range of minus-2° to 33°F.  These are unusually high numbers for January at this site.  Yet, the overnight lows were sufficient to maintain the snow/ice-pack that came early in the month.  On the last day of this period, there were several areas of standing water and a little remaining ice/snow on this property – giving the “appearance” of ‘near normal’ conditions.  However, the vegetables in the greenhouse have thrived and provided almost daily salads and steamed dinner greens – vs every year past in which growth was stunted for the few overwinter vegetables that managed to survive the typical Dec/Jan killing freezes.  Electric use was less this period than many years past.