Warm December means more money in your pocket

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The unusual warm weather this December could come to a close by the end of the week.

The warmth has come with a lot of perks.

Meteorologist Christine Rapp found the warmth is saving people money.

This is the fifth warmest December on record in Charlotte.
 
There have been 13 of 16 days in December that have recorded highs above average, and at night, the low temperatures are well above average.
 
That means people haven't had to run heaters. 
 
"It's helping yeah," homeowner Gail Austin said. "Not having to run that high gas, because I do have Piedmont Natural Gas, so it is very helpful."
 
On average in the winter months, families in North Carolina pay about $50 more for natural gas, compared to summer months.
 
"Right now, things are really great for our folks, because they aren't having to run the heat or air conditioner, and in December, most of us are running the heat," said Beverly Howard, from Loaves and Fishes.
 
Local charities said the savings are helping struggling families catch up on bills and get through the holidays.
 
Stores are already reducing prices on winter coats and gear that haven't been selling.
 
"We have begun markdowns because of the warm weather," said Bill Bartee, from Jesse Brown's Outdoors. "So we have winter gear that is now marked down."
 
This warm December is common for El Nino years and is expected to stay this way through the start of 2016.

If you have any questions about the unusual warmth, you can ask Christine. You can chat with Christine on Facebook throughout tonight's news show.

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