In Richmond, Flowers Up, Turtles Basking, Spring Peepers Out - Times-Dispatch

[hatrack]

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Richmond's average temperature for 2006 was 60.7 degrees, which was 3.1 degrees above normal. That made 2006 the fourth warmest year in the state capital since 1880. Every month of 2006 in Richmond but one recorded above-normal temperatures, the Wakefield office reported.

Though Richmond's average temperature of 47.3 degrees during December was 6.9 degrees above normal, only two days in the month marked up record daily high temperatures, the weather office said. A warm front forecast to sweep across the region today should bring even warmer temperatures, according to the weather service. The front could even bring isolated thunderstorms. Record highs are possible today and tomorrow, the Wakefield station said, as the atmosphere dries out and skies begin to clear.

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Turtles normally hibernate in winter, but some are crawling onto logs and rocks to bask. On Christmas night in western Suffolk, little frogs called spring peepers could be heard. It's not unusual for turtles to bask and frogs to call out when winter turns warm, said Joseph Mitchell, an ecologist affiliated with the University of Richmond.

But those activities are also consistent with climate change, Mitchell said, noting that Virginia has experienced several recent warm winters.

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http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD%2FMGArticle%2FRTD_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1149192498815&path=!news&s=1045855934842

[demnan]

1. Actually I think the old Capitol is just happy

that Webb got sworn in!

Seriously though, it sure has been warmer here in Virginia. By the way, you post an incredible amount of good information. I always read your posts.

[AlecBGreen]

2. VA has been VERY warm this winter

I remember we had a week or two of good, cold weather. Other than that its been 50's and 60's here in the northern Shenandoah Valley (Winchester). A few Cherry trees are blooming and Daffodils are coming up.