donsutherland1

Another shot of cold air will arrive tomorrow. Cool conditions will likely continue into the start of the weekend. The height of the cold will be on Friday where temperatures could start in the teens outside the major cities of the northern Middle Atlantic region and lower 20s elsewhere. However, a sharp rebound in temperatures is likely on Sunday. Sunday and Monday could provide an early preview of springlike readings across much of the region. Afterward, readings could cool, but remain above seasonable levels. Overall, March will likely be warmer than normal. There may also be one or two opportunities for at least some measurable snow in the northern Middle Atlantic and southern New England areas. The ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly was -1.5°C and the Region 3.4 anomaly was -0.8°C for the week centered around February 23. For the past six weeks, the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly has averaged -1.08°C and the ENSO Region 3.4 anomaly has averaged -0.70°C. La Niña conditions will likely persist through at least late March. The SOI was +16.18 today. The preliminary Arctic Oscillation (AO) was +0.661. On February 28 the MJO was in Phase 4 at an amplitude of 0.558 (RMM). The February 27-adjusted amplitude was 0.716 (RMM).

Morning thoughts… It will be partly sunny and mild. High temperatures will likely reach the upper 40s and lower 50s in most of the region. Some areas could reach the middle 50s. Likely high temperatures around the region include: New York City (Central Park): 49° Newark: 50° Philadelphia: 57° Colder air will return tomorrow and persist into the start of the weekend. Normals: New York City: 30-Year: 45.6°; 15-Year: 45.9° Newark: 30-Year: 46.6°; 15-Year: 47.1° Philadelphia: 30-Year: 48.1°; 15-Year: 48.2°

Tomorrow will be fair and mild before another shot of cold air arrives for late in the week and the start of the weekend. However, a sharp rebound in temperatures is likely starting Sunday. Sunday through Tuesday could provide an early taste of springlike readings across much of the region. Overall, March will likely be warmer than normal. There may also be one or two opportunities for at least some measurable snow in the northern Middle Atlantic and southern New England areas. The ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly was -1.5°C and the Region 3.4 anomaly was -0.8°C for the week centered around February 23. For the past six weeks, the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly has averaged -1.08°C and the ENSO Region 3.4 anomaly has averaged -0.70°C. La Niña conditions will likely persist through at least late March. The SOI was +11.97 today. The preliminary Arctic Oscillation (AO) was +0.819. On February 27 the MJO was in Phase 4 at an amplitude of 0.713 (RMM). The February 26-adjusted amplitude was 0.684 (RMM).

Morning thoughts... Today will be mostly cloudy and mild. Temperatures will likely reach the middle and upper 40s in most of the region. The temperature will rise into the 50s in southeastern Pennsylvania. Likely high temperatures include: New York City (Central Park): 46° Newark: 48° Philadelphia: 54° Tomorrow will be another mild day before a fresh shot of cold air arrives. Normals: New York City: 30-Year: 45.3°; 15-Year: 45.6° Newark: 30-Year: 46.3°; 15-Year: 46.8° Philadelphia: 30-Year: 47.9°; 15-Year: 47.9° 30-Day Verification: New York City (Central Park): Average daily forecast: 42.8° Average temperature: 43.5° Average error: 2.1° Newark: Average daily forecast: 43.4° Average temperature: 44.0° Average error: 1.8° Philadelphia: Average daily forecast: 47.1° Average temperature: 47.7° Average error: 1.4°

Despite bright sunshine, temperatures were unseasonably cold today. New York City finished February with a monthly mean temperature of 37.3°, which was 1.4° above normal. A cooler air mass is again moving into the region. March will start out colder than normal. A system could bring some precipitation to the region late in the week. A warming trend could develop afterward. Overall, March will likely be warmer than normal. There may also be one or two opportunities for at least some measurable snow in the northern Middle Atlantic and southern New England areas. The ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly was -1.5°C and the Region 3.4 anomaly was -0.8°C for the week centered around February 23. For the past six weeks, the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly has averaged -1.08°C and the ENSO Region 3.4 anomaly has averaged -0.70°C. La Niña conditions will likely persist through at least late March. The SOI was +12.01 today. The preliminary Arctic Oscillation (AO) was +1.234. For the winter, the AO averaged a preliminary +0.800. 73% of days saw positive AO readings. On February 26 the MJO was in Phase 4 at an amplitude of 0.683 (RMM). The February 25-adjusted amplitude was 0.903 (RMM).

Get well soon.

DCA _ NYC _ BOS __ ORD _ ATL _ IAH ____ DEN _ PHX _ SEA 3.0 2.3 1.8 1.8 3.8 2.4 1.7 1.8 -0.7

Morning thoughts… It will be partly to mostly sunny and cold. High temperatures will likely reach the middle and upper 30s in most of the region. Likely high temperatures around the region include: New York City (Central Park): 35° Newark: 37° Philadelphia: 42° It will turn milder starting tomorrow. Normals: New York City: 30-Year: 45.1°; 15-Year: 45.4° Newark: 30-Year: 46.1°; 15-Year: 46.5° Philadelphia: 30-Year: 47.6°; 15-Year: 47.6°

A cooler air mass is again moving into the region. March will start out colder than normal. A system could bring some precipitation to the region late in the week. A warming trend could develop afterward. The ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly was -1.7°C and the Region 3.4 anomaly was -0.6°C for the week centered around February 16. For the past six weeks, the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly has averaged -0.90°C and the ENSO Region 3.4 anomaly has averaged -0.70°C. La Niña conditions will likely persist into at least mid-March. The SOI was +19.79 today. The preliminary Arctic Oscillation (AO) was +1.243. On February 25 the MJO was in Phase 4 at an amplitude of 0.901 (RMM). The February 24-adjusted amplitude was 0.970 (RMM). Based on sensitivity analysis applied to the latest guidance, there is an implied near 100% probability that New York City will have a warmer than normal February (1991-2020 normal). February will likely finish with a mean temperature near 37.2° (1.3° above normal).

Today is mild. It started cold. Poor wording on my part.

Morning thoughts… It will be partly to mostly sunny and cold. A few places could see a rain or snow shower during the afternoon. High temperatures will likely reach the middle and upper 40s in most of the region. Likely high temperatures around the region include: New York City (Central Park): 45° Newark: 47° Philadelphia: 51° Tomorrow will be fair and colder. Normals: New York City: 30-Year: 44.8°; 15-Year: 45.1° Newark: 30-Year: 45.8°; 15-Year: 46.2° Philadelphia: 30-Year: 47.3°; 15-Year: 47.3°

Tomorrow will be partly cloudy and milder. A rain or snow shower is possible as a reinforcing shot of cold air will move into the region. Overall, the closing days of February into the first week of March will be generally colder than normal. March could start with a sharp cold shot. A system could bring some precipitation to the region late next week. A warming trend could develop afterward. The duration of this warming remains uncertain. The ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly was -1.7°C and the Region 3.4 anomaly was -0.6°C for the week centered around February 16. For the past six weeks, the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly has averaged -0.90°C and the ENSO Region 3.4 anomaly has averaged -0.70°C. La Niña conditions will likely persist into at least mid-March. The SOI was +19.79 today. The preliminary Arctic Oscillation (AO) was +1.617. On February 24 the MJO was in Phase 3 at an amplitude of 0.968 (RMM). The February 23-adjusted amplitude was 1.090 (RMM). Based on sensitivity analysis applied to the latest guidance, there is an implied near 100% probability that New York City will have a warmer than normal February (1991-2020 normal). February will likely finish with a mean temperature near 37.1° (1.2° above normal).

Morning thoughts… It will be partly to mostly sunny and cold. High temperatures will likely reach the middle and upper 30s in most of the region. Likely high temperatures around the region include: New York City (Central Park): 36° Newark: 37° Philadelphia: 41° Tomorrow will be fair and milder. Normals: New York City: 30-Year: 44.6°; 15-Year: 44.8° Newark: 30-Year: 45.6°; 15-Year: 45.9° Philadelphia: 30-Year: 47.0°; 15-Year: 46.9°

It’s tough to be sure. The wave lengths are shortening, so that adds complexity. I still suspect that we’ll see at least some accumulations of snow in March and that there might be a window of opportunity for at least a moderate snowfall.

In the wake of the snow, sleet, and freezing rain, tomorrow will be fair but cold. Temperatures will rise no higher than the 30s across the region. Overall, the closing days of February into the first week of March will be generally colder than normal. March could start with a sharp cold shot. A warming trend could develop afterward. The duration of this warming remains uncertain. The ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly was -1.7°C and the Region 3.4 anomaly was -0.6°C for the week centered around February 16. For the past six weeks, the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly has averaged -0.90°C and the ENSO Region 3.4 anomaly has averaged -0.70°C. La Niña conditions will likely persist into at least mid-March. The SOI was +7.59 today. The preliminary Arctic Oscillation (AO) was +1.633. On February 23 the MJO was in Phase 3 at an amplitude of 1.089 (RMM). The February 22-adjusted amplitude was 1.502 (RMM). Based on sensitivity analysis applied to the latest guidance, there is an implied 98% probability that New York City will have a warmer than normal February (1991-2020 normal). February will likely finish with a mean temperature near 37.1° (1.2° above normal).

Bronx:

Late tonight through tomorrow, interior sections of the Northeast will be in line for accumulating snow. A general 4"-8" with locally higher amounts of up to a foot is likely there. Despite some GFS runs previously showing 4" or more snow for New York City, the forecast pattern generally argues against such an outcome. During the February 20-29, 1950-2021 period, 4/13 (31%) of 4" or greater snowstorms saw a positive AO. The evolution of synoptic details will determine the outcome and, at present, most of the guidance argues against a moderate snowfall in and around New York City. Generally 1" or less is likely in New York City and Newark prior to a changeover to sleet and then rain. Overall, things remain on course for a warmer than normal second half of February. The potential exists for several days to see much above normal temperatures during that time. The warm pattern will likely begin to break down during the closing days of February. The closing days of February into the first week of March will be generally colder than normal. March could start with a sharp cold shot. The ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly was -1.7°C and the Region 3.4 anomaly was -0.6°C for the week centered around February 16. For the past six weeks, the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly has averaged -0.90°C and the ENSO Region 3.4 anomaly has averaged -0.70°C. La Niña conditions will likely persist into at least mid-March. The SOI was -0.96 today. The preliminary Arctic Oscillation (AO) was +1.906. On February 22 the MJO was in Phase 3 at an amplitude of 1.501 (RMM). The February 21-adjusted amplitude was 1.617 (RMM). Based on sensitivity analysis applied to the latest guidance, there is an implied 94% probability that New York City will have a warmer than normal February (1991-2020 normal). February will likely finish with a mean temperature near 37.1° (1.2° above normal).

Morning thoughts… Clouds will increase and it will be much colder today. Snow will arrive in the northern Mid-Atlantic region tonight. High temperatures will likely reach the middle and upper 30s in most of the region. Likely high temperatures around the region include: New York City (Central Park): 37° Newark: 37° Philadelphia: 39° Snow will change to sleet, freezing rain, and rain in much of the region early tomorrow. Interior sections will likely see 4”-8” with some locally higher amounts. 1”-2” is likely in and around New York City. Normals: New York City: 30-Year: 44.1°; 15-Year: 44.3° Newark: 30-Year: 45.1°; 15-Year: 45.3° Philadelphia: 30-Year: 46.5°; 15-Year: 46.3°

The AO has been positive for 44 of the last 50 days. JFK has only reached 70 on one occasion in February: 71 on February 27, 1997.

Clouds yielded to sunshine and temperatures soared to unseasonably warm levels today. A number of locations reached or surpassed their existing daily records. Daily records included: Atlantic City: 72° (tied record set in 1985 and tied in 2017) Bangor: 65° (old record: 57°, 1984) ***New Monthly Record*** Boston: 69° (old record: 68°, 2017) Bridgeport: 67° (old record: 60°, 2012) Hartford: 71° (old record: 68°, 1990) Islip: 68° (old record: 61°, 2012) Manchester, NH: 68° (tied record set in 2017) New Haven: 67° (old record: 57°, 2012) New York City-JFK: 69° (old record: 62°, 1990) New York City-LGA: 68° (old record: 66°, 1985) Newark: 70° (old record: 68°, 1985) Portland: 66° (old record: 61°, 1990) Providence: 69° (old record: 66°, 2017) White Plains: 67° (old record: 65°, 1985 and 1990) Wilmington, DE: 74° (old record: 73°, 2017) Worcester: 65° (old record: 64°, 2017) In addition, Baltimore reached 76° and Washington, DC hit 77° today. Both temperatures fell just short of their daily record of 78°, which was set way back in 1874. Cooler weather will return tomorrow. Late tomorrow night through Friday, interior sections of the Northeast will be in line for accumulating snow. A general 4"-8" with locally higher amounts of up to a foot is likely there. Despite some GFS runs showing 4" or more snow for New York City, the forecast pattern generally argues against such an outcome. During the February 20-29, 1950-2021 period, 4/13 (31%) of 4" or greater snowstorms saw a positive AO. The evolution of synoptic details will determine the outcome and, at present, most of the guidance argues against a moderate snowfall in and around New York City. Instead a light snowfall, possibly in the 1"-3" range with some locally higher amounts is on the table prior to a changeover to sleet and then rain. Overall, things remain on course for a warmer than normal second half of February. The potential exists for several days to see much above normal temperatures during that time. The warm pattern will likely begin to break down during the closing days of February. The closing days of February into the first week of March will be generally colder than normal. March could start with a sharp cold shot. The ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly was -1.7°C and the Region 3.4 anomaly was -0.6°C for the week centered around February 16. For the past six weeks, the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly has averaged -0.90°C and the ENSO Region 3.4 anomaly has averaged -0.70°C. La Niña conditions will likely persist into at least mid-March. The SOI was +5.00 today. The preliminary Arctic Oscillation (AO) was +2.801. On February 21 the MJO was in Phase 4 at an amplitude of 1.616 (RMM). The February 20-adjusted amplitude was 1.464 (RMM). Based on sensitivity analysis applied to the latest guidance, there is an implied 85% probability that New York City will have a warmer than normal February (1991-2020 normal). February will likely finish with a mean temperature near 37.1° (1.2° above normal).

It's looking promising. It also fits the timing of some recent cases where strongly positive February AO+ regimes broke down in March.

At Bangor, the 11 am temperature was 62. That surpassed the daily record of 57 from 1984 and the longstanding monthly record of 60 from February 21, 1937.

Morning thoughts… Clouds will give way to sunshine. It will be very warm. Parts of the region will approach or set new daily record high temperatures. High temperatures will likely reach the middle and upper 60s in most of the region. Likely high temperatures around the region include: New York City (Central Park): 66° Newark: 66° Philadelphia: 70° Colder air will return tomorrow. Wintry weather is likely on Friday. Normals: New York City: 30-Year: 43.9°; 15-Year: 44.0° Newark: 30-Year: 44.8°; 15-Year: 45.1° Philadelphia: 30-Year: 46.2°; 15-Year: 46.1°

Tomorrow will be exceptionally mild. Temperatures will soar into the 60s across much of the region. Some areas could approach or reach 70°. Afterward, cooler weather will return. Late Thursday night through Friday, interior sections of the Northeast will be in line for accumulating snow. A moderate to perhaps significant snowfall there is possible. Despite some GFS runs showing 4" or more snow for New York City, the forecast pattern generally argues against such an outcome. During the February 20-29, 1950-2021 period, 4/13 (31%) of 4" or greater snowstorms saw a positive AO. The evolution of synoptic details will determine the outcome and, at present, most of the guidance argues against a moderate snowfall in and around New York City. Instead a light snowfall, possibly in the 1"-3" range with some locally higher amounts is on the table prior to a changeover to sleet and then rain. Overall, things remain on course for a warmer than normal second half of February. The potential exists for several days to see much above normal temperatures during that time. The warm pattern will likely begin to break down during the closing days of February. The closing days of February into the first week of March will be generally colder than normal. March could start with a sharp cold shot. The ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly was -1.7°C and the Region 3.4 anomaly was -0.6°C for the week centered around February 16. For the past six weeks, the ENSO Region 1+2 anomaly has averaged -0.90°C and the ENSO Region 3.4 anomaly has averaged -0.70°C. La Niña conditions will likely persist into at least mid-March. The SOI was +13.06 today. The preliminary Arctic Oscillation (AO) was +2.455. On February 20 the MJO was in Phase 3 at an amplitude of 1.465 (RMM). The February 19-adjusted amplitude was 1.585 (RMM). Based on sensitivity analysis applied to the latest guidance, there is an implied 82% probability that New York City will have a warmer than normal February (1991-2020 normal). February will likely finish with a mean temperature near 37.2° (1.3° above normal).

Morning thoughts… Today will be cloudy, rainy and mild. High temperatures will likely reach the upper 50s and lower 60s in most of the region. Likely high temperatures around the region include: New York City (Central Park): 58° Newark: 59° Philadelphia: 64° Tomorrow will be very warm before colder air returns. Normals: New York City: 30-Year: 43.6°; 15-Year: 43.8° Newark: 30-Year: 44.6°; 15-Year: 44.8° Philadelphia: 30-Year: 45.9°; 15-Year: 45.8°