It’s now the final month of meteorological winter. The days are getting longer and average high temperatures are now beginning to climb. Average highs across New England are about 5-7 degrees warmer by the end of the month than the beginning. This month, however, may see cooler weather in the second half. Here’s the big picture for this month:
TEMPERATURES
February will start off with an Omega-style blocking pattern in place. A ridge in the center of the country will remain in place through this weekend into early next week. New England will be on the edge between this ridge and a trough of low pressure near the Canadian Maritimes. This will keep the building milder air over the interior of the United States from reaching New England.
With New England being on the edge, this will likely lead to a stretch of seasonable temperatures for early February, with the warmth remaining to our west and an arctic shot of cold centered to our east.
Photo byNew England Storm Center
Heading deeper into next week, the ridge over the center of the country is looking to begin to break down as it slides eastward. This should allow the more mild air to begin to spread eastward. At this point, it doesn’t look like a major warm-up will be coming to New England next week, but there is some confidence in above average temperatures by the middle to late next week and potentially lasting longer.