Bright skies abound this holiday season for Bermuda, thanks to the Bermuda-Azores High — which is dashing chances of a white Christmas on the United States East Coast.

The sprawling weather system has delivered record warmth along the Eastern Seaboard, likely to last through today and surpass highs set more than a century ago.

Bermuda nearly sweltered for yesterday’s last-ditch shoppers, with the Island’s temperatures climbing to 76F (24C), and sitting in the mid-seventies.

“We’ve been close to record, certainly in that category,” said Jeff Torgerson, duty forecaster at the Bermuda Weather Service. “1990 was significantly warmer than usual, in the upper seventies.”

The next few days and into the weekend will range from 70F (21C) to 74F (23C), he said, as high pressure predominates.

Warmth and clear skies spell good conditions for tomorrow morning’s revellers at Elbow Beach. The fair conditions also means a fine view of tomorrow’s full moon, the first at Christmas time since 1977. There will not be another one until 2034 — so unless you want a long wait to catch a sight of this rare astronomical occurrence, it is a good idea to head outside and look up on Christmas Day.