PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Winter-weary Philadelphia residents who felt that this season was one for the record books were right - it’s now the second-snowiest winter on record in the city.
The National Weather Service says 4.5 inches of snow was recorded as of 8 a.m. Monday at Philadelphia International Airport. That brings the total for the entire 2013-14 season to 67.4 inches so far, passing the 65.5 inches recorded in 1995-96.
Meteorologist Mitchell Gaines of the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, N.J., said several factors have united to bring more snow than usual to the region.
“Generally, it’s been a fairly active in terms of cold high pressures systems moving in from Canada throughout the course of the season,” he said. “There have also been a lot of active storms moving across the country that have had favorable tracks … resulting in the area seeing snow more often than not.”
Last month, Philly’s snowfall secured third place, pushing the 55.4 inches recorded back in 1898-99 down to fourth place.
By far the largest snow total on record in the city, where snowfall records go back to 1884, fell during the 2009-10 winter season, when 78.7 inches descended on the City of Brotherly Love.
Gaines said the city appears to be looking at a fairly tranquil week, with precipitation possible Wednesday and Saturday that will fall as rain, not more snow.
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