Winter heatwave breaks records for February
- An unusual heat wave in February swept through the Southeast.
- Highs in the 80s, and even a few low 90s are possible.
- Not only did these break daily records, but they also broke records for the month of February.
- Meanwhile, some record cold air descended to the west and plains.
A wintry heat wave swept through parts of the Southeast while high temperatures hit the West, Plains and parts of the northern United States in a pattern of extreme temperatures in late February.
High temperatures rise to levels more common in late spring, rather than late winter, from Virginia to Florida and the Deep South in what in some locations is considered record warmth in February.
Here’s an overview: Temperatures will range from 15 to 35 degrees above average from the Southeast to the Ohio Valley and mid-Atlantic through Thursday. Meanwhile, up to 45 degrees colder than average temperatures will roll into the West, Rockies and northern Plains. This is due to the jet stream pattern with Almost as strong as the upper level February streak of high pressure you’ll see Near South Florida and the Bahamas, and sharp landings south in the west.
(Expectations: Plains, Northeast Storm | West Coast storm force)
Monthly record highs have already been tied or set: Several cities tied or set new records for highest temperatures in February on Wednesday. This includes Atlanta (81), Beckley (77), Bluefield (75, tied), West Virginia, Chattanooga, Tennessee (82), Columbus, Georgia (84, tied), Muscle Shoals, Alabama (83, tied), and Plant City, Florida (83). Draw). 91 tied), and Tupelo, Mississippi (84 tied). In some of these cities, it was the hottest day on record in winter weather in December and February. In fact, we saw it too The country’s first high temperature reaches 100 degrees this year During this heat wave in the Rio Grande Valley.
More potential monthly record highs: The peak of the February heat wave will be Thursday, when dozens of locations could set record highs for a given calendar day from the Ohio Valley and mid-Atlantic to the Gulf Coast and Florida. In some locations, these high temperatures can be the highest on any day in February or winter, as shown in the graph below.
(maps: See the highs and lows of the national daily forecast for the next 10 days)
High temperatures like these are more common in late spring: Highs in the 80s could reach as far north as Virginia and West Virginia. Parts of north and central Florida could rise into the low 90s. These temperatures are considered high Average is late May or JuneNot late February.
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