U.S. heating demand rises in November

U.S. heating demand in November was lower than normal but higher year-over-year, according to the latest national weather data. 

What’s happening: Heating Degree Days (HDDs), the primary measure of heating demand, rose 6.6 percent during the month compared to last year. 

• HDDs measure heating demand by subtracting a day’s average temperature from 65°F.

The big picture: The data suggests that while temperatures were warmer than what the National Weather Service considers normal, the month was slightly cooler than last November, nationwide. 

Zoom in: The Mountain region saw the biggest decline in heating demand, with HDDs dropping 26 percent year-over-year during the month, while a Midwestern patch of states (from Wisconsin to Ohio) saw the figure rise nearly 23 percent.

• Meanwhile, heating demand fell year-over-year along the West Coast and rose in every other region. 

What’s next: December’s numbers will be published in early January.