Despite Tuesday's storm, which deposited almost three inches of snow on the local landscape, the Boston area is experiencing an exceptionally mild winter for the second straight year, according to the Blue Hills Observatory.

The Boston Office of the United States Weather Bureau joined in extolling the almost spring-like weather, but warned, "We don't know whether it will keep up or not for the rest of the winter. We have enough trouble predicting the weather two days ahead."

Observatory figures show that last month ranked as one of the warmest Januarys on record. The average mean temperature was 32, almost six degrees higher than the normal figure for the month. A high reading of 55 was recorded on January 24 and the mercury never dipped below a temperate 17 degrees. December also ranked high. An average daily reading of 32 was almost five degrees above normal.

Together with higher temperatures, the area received a fair share of precipitation during the first two winter months. A total of approximately 40 inches was recorded over December and January. January alone had 22 inches of snow and close to three of rain, while December had a five inch snowfall and a total of over seven inches of rain.

The only major storm this year occurred during reading period, when an eight to ten inch fall choked traffic in the area and reduced Cambridge streets to potholes.