For those of us reveling in the unseasonably warm temperatures across the eastern United States recently, brace yourselves for a sudden change in the weather forecast. Winter, it seems, was merely taking a short break and is now ready to make a grand reappearance as a blast of cold air descends southward across the country once more.
If you got caught off guard by the mild weather and pleasant temperatures, tempted to pack away your winter gear prematurely in anticipation of spring, you’re certainly not alone. This abrupt return to wintry conditions after a brief taste of spring is often humorously referred to as “Fool’s spring.” While the recent weather may have hinted at the arrival of a new season, it’s important to remember that February is still very much a winter month. Meteorologically speaking, winter extends until March 1st, and the official start of spring, the Spring Equinox, isn’t until March 20.
So, what can we expect in terms of temperatures? Forecasters are predicting multiple waves of cold air to sweep through the Central United States in the coming days, originating from Canada and gradually making their way southward. In cities like Fargo, North Dakota, and Billings, Montana, morning lows could plummet to a bone-chilling 20 degrees below zero, a staggering 40 degrees below the average for this time of year.
By Thursday, the frigid air mass will have spread across the Southern Plains, Midwest, and Northeast, with the potential for single-digit lows even as far south as Amarillo, Texas. And the cold snap won’t be short-lived — another surge of chilly air is set to enter the country from the Northern Plains on Friday, driving temperatures across the Central United States a whopping 25 degrees below normal by Sunday.
Looking ahead to the 8 to 14 day outlook provided by the Climate Prediction Center, it appears that below-average temperatures will persist in the Central and Eastern U.S. well into the end of February. However, southern Florida seems to be the exception, with Miami maintaining a balmy minimum of 70 degrees throughout the week.
For those curious about the expert behind this weather analysis, meet Sara Tonks, a seasoned meteorologist with weather.com. Armed with bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Georgia Tech in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, as well as a master’s degree from Unity Environmental University in Marine Science, Sara brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the realm of weather forecasting. Stay tuned for more updates as this wintry weather pattern unfolds.
