After an unusually mild winter, temperatures are on the rise again this weekend, particularly in the central U.S. where highs are expected to be up to 20 degrees above average. This warm trend is set to continue into next week, with more than 345 heat records potentially being broken or tied across the central and eastern U.S.
While some may hesitate to call it a 'winterless winter,' the season has indeed been quite wintry for many parts of the country. However, a stretch of unseasonably warm weather is on the horizon for several regions.
Today, temperatures are reaching the 70s in Oklahoma and Texas, with some areas even hitting the 80s. Atlanta and Charleston are experiencing milder temperatures in the 60s. Looking ahead to Monday and Tuesday, Oklahoma City and St. Louis are forecasted to reach the 80s, while Atlanta will see temperatures in the 70s.
The departure from average temperatures is significant, with some areas experiencing highs that are 10 to 30 degrees above normal. This spring-like weather pattern is expected to persist through the middle of the week, potentially breaking more than 345 heat records for both daytime highs and overnight lows.
In Dallas, Texas, temperatures could soar to 90 degrees, shattering the daily record. The average temperature for Dallas in February is 63 degrees, making 90 degrees a significant departure from the norm. The trend of warmer winter days is not unique to Dallas, as many parts of the U.S. have been experiencing an increase in unseasonably warm weather during the winter months.
As temperatures continue to rise across the country, it is evident that this winter season is experiencing a feverish trend towards warmer conditions.