This year marked the fourth.
The average high on Christmas is 36 degrees, according to Storm Center 7 Chief Meteorologist McCall Vrydaghs.
The unusually warm December temperatures, combined with many people having time off work this week, made for crowded parks and golf courses.
Marty Schlichar, an employee with Reid Park Golf Course in Springfield, said business has seen a huge uptick in the last couple of days since the warm weather has moved through.
“It’s like a Saturday in July,” Schlichar said. “It’s just been crazy.”
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LeAnn Castillo, executive director of the National Trails Parks and Recreation District, said the high temperatures on Christmas day drew many people into the parks.
“I did see a lot of people posting about taking walks on our trails or riding their new bikes on bike paths,” Castillo said. “A lot of people are taking advantage of this weather.”
Sarah Tritle visited the C.J. Brown Dam and Reservoir located at Buck Creek State Park on Thursday. She said the warm weather was what got her out of the house.
“I came to just take a walk and enjoy the weather,” Tritle said. “I think it’s a nice Christmas treat to be able to get out in flip flops in December.”
Castillo said many residents don’t get much use out of the parks in the wintertime, except for after a snowfall.
“We have over 20 miles of trails that people can ride their bikes on and take walks on throughout Clark County,” Castillo said. “Obviously this time of year we like to see snow and get out and do some sledding, but just because we aren’t seeing that doesn’t mean you can’t go out and have fun.”
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Residents wishing for snow and cold weather might not have to wait much longer. Forecasts say T-shirt temperatures will begin to disappear this weekend.
Vrydaghs said as the region heads into the weekend, the colder air to the north and west will make its way back into the area.
Vrydaghs said Friday’s forecast will bring a slight chance of a passing shower or drizzle early in the morning. But temperatures will remain in the upper 50s, before clouds thicken overnight and bring more seasonal temperatures.
“When I say colder, it’s going to actually be more seasonable,” Vrydaghs said. “So we’ll get into the upper 30s and 40s into the new year, but even then that will still be considered above average cause our typical high is at around 36 degrees.”
62: High on Christmas day
1982: The last time Christmas temperatures touched 62 degrees
50: Temperature highs for Friday will remain in the 50’s
The Springfield News-Sun is committed to covering weather in Clark and Champaign County.
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