KITCHENER -- It felt much more like spring than winter for Christmas and Boxing Day in Waterloo Region this year.
Parts of Southwestern Ontario experienced record-breaking holiday temperatures. The region broke and 80-year-old temperature record by one tenth of a degree before the noon hour on Thursday.
Environment Canada says the 10.1 degrees and double digits in December aren't as rare as one might think, while severe weather meteorologist Rob Kuhn says the rest of the winter could be a bit of a roller coaster ride.
"Of course Frosty is going to return," he said. "I wouldn't be surprised if New Years is white with lake effect snow flurries, maybe a couple centimeters."
Before the potential return of flurries for the new year, typical winter traditiosn were affected by the mid temperatures in the region.
Popular tobogganing hill McLennan Park was bare of snow, along with most lawns in the area.
Kitchener snow sculptor Matt Morris’ Olaf creation melted in his driveway shortly after it was made.
“When Olaf melted to the point where he was looking scary or odd I thought that might be a little upsetting for some kids,” he said. “What’s left is just a small little bump of Olaf...he never broke, he just touched the ground. I think he was looking for a new perspective.
"He'll be back again some day."
Despite the warm temperatures, the ice at Kitchener City Hall was still frozen.
"You don't need snow to skate and fall," said one skater.
Elsewhere in Southwestern Ontario, Windsor hit 14 degrees for Boxing Day, and a golf course east of London is open for tee times on Thursday.
Kuhn also adds that there is a possibility for record high temperatures in the region next week as well.
