A major warm-up is on the way for much of the U.S. next week, bringing above-average temperatures and a taste of spring in February. After weeks of bitter cold, many areas will see temperatures in the 50s, 60s, and even 80s. But will this warmth last?
Unusually Warm Weather Is Coming
- Warming Trend: Warm Pacific air will replace Arctic air due to a change in weather patterns, giving the entire region a springtime vibe.
- Who Will Experience It? Temperatures above normal will affect more than 249 million Americans.
- For what length of time? There may be another cold spell in March, but the warm-up will linger for a few days.
Where Will It Get the Warmest?
- Midwest and South: It will feel more like April than February, with highs in the 70s and 80s.
- Northeast: The bitter cold of February is over thanks to the arrival of milder temperatures.
- West: Temperatures will be 10–25°F warmer than usual in areas west of the Mississippi.
Potential Flooding Risks
With rapid snowmelt and incoming rain, the Northwest could face flooding and ice jam threats. Be on the lookout for rising creeks, mudslides, and urban flooding.
Will Winter Come Again?
Forecasters caution that severe cold outbreaks in early March may result from another polar vortex change. It is not yet the end of the temperature roller coaster.
Source: USA Today