In Chico, Calif., it was 51 degrees Tuesday. 

In Coeur d'Alene, same day, it was 54 degrees.

"We're in northern California, not North Idaho, at least weather-wise," Climatologist Cliff Harris said.

Sunshine and warmth brought people outdoors Tuesday. No need for heavy coats, stocking caps, gloves and winter boots. Put on the shorts, light shirts and tennis shoes.

Cyclists, dog walkers and runners passed through City Park, while some sat on the steps at Independence Point or just stopped to admire the setting sun glow across Lake Coeur d'Alene.

"When it's like this, you have to get outside," said Jon Tenneson, who was visiting from the Spokane area.

Harris said the 54 degrees Tuesday broke the record-high for Jan. 13 of 52 set in 1945. The average high for the date is 36.

He described conditions as "extremely warm" and said they were going to continue through the week, with more sunshine and highs in the 40s.

Harris said a high-pressure ridge in the region is the source of the mild weather but added that once it moves on to the east, cold air from the Gulf of Alaska should arrive. He's calling for colder temperatures by month's end and still expects a snowy February.

"Snowier than normal, if I'm right," Harris said.

So far this season, Coeur d'Alene has received just 14.6 inches of snow, less than half of the normal 40 inches of snow by this date. Harris said that is the least amount of snow for this timeframe dating back to the 1930s.

"Most of that was the 4.8 inches that fell on Jan. 8," Harris said. "That's all gone now. The warm weather has taken it."

According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service Idaho Water Supply Outlook Report, the seasonal outlook for the February through April period predicts cooler than normal temperatures in the Panhandle.

The outlook for the April through June period forecasts warmer and drier conditions across Idaho this spring. Last year, those same dry and hot spring conditions led to rapid snowmelt and reduced runoff from the snowpack, which stressed water supplies.

The report said Idaho snowpack is below normal at 88%.

"If the snowpack continues to lag behind, the long-term accumulated precipitation deficits could have substantial negative impacts on water supply in Idaho," the report said. "The Panhandle region in northern Idaho has had three consecutive years of drought conditions, a fourth year would be unprecedented."

The wave of warmth doesn't surprise Harris. He said there is a "pattern of extremes" with floods and droughts worldwide.

"All sorts of weird stuff at the same time," he said. "If you like extremes, that's where we're at."

    A runner passes through City Park on a sunny Tuesday afternoon.