Warmer Winter Weather Means a Second Wind For Ice Cream -- and No One's Complaining

Typically, ice cream is thought of a summertime treat. In fact, June is considered the month that the most ice cream is produced in the United States. And while 90% of households indulge in ice cream year-round, it is certainly not considered a staple wintertime treat.

However, this winter might tell a very different tale.

Due to the looming El Nino weather patterns that promise a warmer and rainier winter across the country, many ice cream vendors are getting a well-deserved second wind in the sale ofĀ custom ice cream cupsĀ and cones.

In New York City, this very scenario is taking place. On Christmas Eve, the city was a balmy 70 degrees. Instead of donning the stereotypical coats, scarves, and hats of the season, tourists and locals alike are skipping the scarves and tights for warmer weather attire -- and they're all flocking to the ice cream vendors reappearing all over the city.

ā€œIt’s a one-time-in-20-year event,ā€ Rad Lopez told the New York Post, who sells ice cream from the Fun Time Frostee truck at Sixth Avenue and West 48th Street. ā€œIt’s a blessing from the gods.ā€

While ice cream trucks are typically packed deep into storage by December, many vendors are capitalizing on the unseasonal weather as hungry tourists search for a weather-appropriate, refreshing treat.

ā€œIt’s beyond unusual,ā€ said Mister Softee Vice President Jim Conway. ā€œIt’s bizarre.ā€

And it's not only the ice cream vendors that are benefitting from the oddly high temperatures. Even the brick and mortar ice cream shops are increasing.

ā€œSales have increased quite a bit because it’s warm,ā€ said Marcos Villa of Mikey Likes It Ice Cream in the East Village. ā€œWe’re up 30 percent [from last winter].ā€

Perhaps this little winter miracle is an opportunity for ice cream lovers to unite once more to get a scoop of their favorite ice cream in their very own custom ice cream cups and cones.

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