We are three weeks into the official start of the winter season. Usually, by now we've experienced a deep freeze with temperatures well below the freezing mark, however, so far this winter our temperatures have been more in line with the fall season.

Environment Canada Meteorologist Natalie Hasel says that the temperatures and conditions we've been experiencing here in Cochrane are well above seasonal.

"Normally during the day we'd get a high of minus 6," says Hasel. "Today's forecast is right at zero, Sunday's forecast is plus 4 and Tuesday's forecast is plus 6."

Hasel says that not only are we experiencing above seasonal daily highs, but our overnight temperatures are also much milder than we typically see at this time of year.

"Temperatures at night are below zero but still warmer than normal," says Hasel. "Normal nighttime temperatures or mathematical average nighttime temperatures are minus 18, and we're certainly seeing temperatures quite a bit warmer than that especially as we head into the weekend and next week."

Here in Cochrane, we know all too well that the weather can fluctuate from hour to hour. So, how long can we expect this stretch of warm weather to last? Well, Hasel says that Cochranites will be able to enjoy fall-like temperatures and conditions until mid-January.

"Our current models are suggesting that these warm temperatures should continue until at least the end of next week," says Hasel. "We should see a transition into more seasonal weather right after that."

For now, Hasel recommends taking advantage of our warmer weather to prepare for the inevitable. She says that Cochrane won't be skipping winter this year and she's encouraging Cochranites to use this warm stretch to winterize homes and vehicles if you haven't already.