If you were one of the wintery-weary Midwesterns that poked their head outside this weekend to discover that temperatures that climbed into the 50s can feel warm, you weren’t alone.
Data released late last week by the Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel show that the three winter months, December through February, were the 19th coldest on record across the state. Temperatures for the winter in Clay County averaged between three and four degrees below normal.
In terms of precipitation the area ran nearly average.
The relatively mild conditions that the area has been experiencing the last few days will likely continue, but with an increasing threat of rain and possibility a rumble of thunder.
Temperatures on Wednesday could top out above 60, which will likely be the warmest day of the next week. Temperatures after that point are expected to settle back to near 50 for day time highs through early next week.
If your tired of the colder than normal temperatures, the next month may prove to bring more of the same. The latest long range forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s climate prediction are indicates that that March could well bring more below normal temperatures.
