East Coast can expect snow while Midwest thaws

Weather January 2009

Jack Grum, Vice President -- Casual Living, 1/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

Last year's temperatures trended colder than normal, dipping lower than the year prior for most of the nation. Increased snowfall in January 2008 was bad news for store traffic as shoppers hunkered down at home waiting for warmer weather. At the same time, consumers were hit hard with higher energy costs for home heating. The combined pressures in January 2008 brought the weakest January same-store sales in more than 22 years.

January 2009 will start out cold and snowy with a potential major East Coast snow event around mid month. Snowfall is expected to be up 38% over last year. A developing January thaw will spread near record-breaking warmth across the Midwest during the third week of the month while winter tries to hold on across the East Coast.

One final push of cold air will move back into the nation at the end of the month before much warmer weather takes control in February. Television advertising will be most effective this month as shoppers remain at home. Store traffic will be strongest across southern Arizona and southern California.

610-807-3586, jgrum@wxtrends.com, www.wxtrends.com