Chicago is experiencing an unusually warm start to February, a phenomenon not seen in nearly 150 years. This warmth is part of a broader pattern affecting the eastern two-thirds of the United States, with forecasts indicating that the winter cold will largely abate for the rest of the month. For the first time in February, and for the first time since 142 yrs ago, temperatures in Chicago failed to reach 40°+, a rarity only matched by the year 1882 when the first 15 days of February logged highs of 40+ degrees. The mild conditions have led to daily temperatures above the normal high of 36°, but this trend is expected to end with forecast highs in the low 30s. Despite a brief period of snow and cold, the Midwest is on track to continue experiencing above-normal temperatures, potentially concluding the warmest winter on record for many cities. The entire contiguous US is also likely to record its warmest winter (December-February) as long as temperatures in the last two weeks of February remain at or above normal.
While there may be short-lived spells of cold weather, the last two weeks of February look to stay unusually mild in the central and eastern United States. https://t.co/gVBGFPpNj9
Using station data, the winter of 2023-24 (Dec-Feb) in the Contiguous US will finish as the warmest on record as long as the last two weeks of the month are at or above normal (actually at or above 1.3F below normal). Looking at the extended outlook, it is a very high likelihood. https://t.co/rn4AxjibG6
Even after a quick shot of snow + cold, the "lost winter" in the Midwest is poised to continue during the last 2 weeks of February. Long-range models show much above normal temps and many cities will lock in their warmest winter (Dec-Feb) on record. ⬇️ https://t.co/8Agpgk2Snb
February has been incredibly mild! We’ll be in the 30s for the first time this month, today. Today is also the first day where highs will be below normal. #Chicago https://t.co/wenVJQCpaV
February has been incredibly mild so far. Each day has been above normal. However, that ends today with a forecast high in the low 30s. Our normal high is 36°. #Chicago https://t.co/MUgBpbYwCD
February has been incredibly mild. Today is the first day this month highs will be below normal (36°). #Chicago https://t.co/tSizjkY9uI
Today will be the first time all month that the high temperature has failed to reach 40°+. The only other year to achieve such a meteorological fate was 142 yrs ago back in 1882 when the first 15 days of February logged highs of 40+!! #ilwx #chicago https://t.co/5cPJUuampm
After the next few days, looks like appreciable #winter cold largely takes the rest of February off in the eastern 2/3 of the nation. (Loop: @TropicalTidbits) https://t.co/sU28JZyDP1
It's not your imagination: Chicago's warm start to February is something we haven't seen in nearly 150 years https://t.co/wKSZAEbt6G