New Data Shows Just How Mild February Has Been For PA

EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA — Temperatures in eastern Pennsylvania have been much warmer than normal so far this month, with averages of more than 8 degrees above normal across the Philadelphia region, according to new information released by the Northeast Regional Climate Center.

All 35 major climate sites tracked by the agency were warmer than normal, with temperatures in Allentown, Pennsylvania, among the highest in the region above normal. There, temperatures have been 9.7 degrees above normal between Feb. 1 and Feb. 15.

Cities across Pennsylvania have recorded the higher-than-normal temperatures.

In Philadelphia, where the normal temperature for the first half of February is 34.5 degrees, it has averaged 41.3 degrees for the first 15 days of February 2020. That's a departure of nearly 7 degrees.

Allentown has experienced a departure of nearly 10 degrees for the first half of February. Temperatures there for that time of year are normally 29.4 degrees. This year, Allentown's average temperature from Feb. 1 to 15 was 39.1 degrees, according to the Northeast Regional Climate Center.

Snowfall is well below normal, too, the data shows.

In Pennsylvania, snowfall for the first 15 days in Februry is several inches below normal. In Allentown, for example, 6 inches usually falls in that period. This year: none.

Philadelphia has also received no snow this year, when it normally gets 5 inches in that time period, the Northeast Regional Climate Center says. None of Eastern Pennsylvania climate sites tracked by the organization has received any snow so far in February.

As of now, it appears the snowless trend will persist through the month.

The Weather Channel predicts some colder air will come through the region Thursday and Friday. Overnight low temperatures could plummet to the teens.

The weekend looks to be sunny and relatively mild, with highs in the upper 40s and low 50s.

Early next week, showers are predicted, with highs in the 50s. Sunshine returns for the end of the months, with overnight temperatures dipping back to the upper 20s at the tail end of February.

Here is the forecast:

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 25. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. Northwest wind around 5 mph.

Thursday night: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 19. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 36. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday night: Clear, with a low around 23.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 48.

Saturday night: Clear, with a low around 28.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 52.

Sunday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 34.

Monday: A chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 50. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

Monday night: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.