Balmy, Dry February Predicted For IL In Weather Outlook

ILLINOIS — February is expected to be warmer and drier than usual in Illinois, according to a new forecast published Wednesday by The Weather Company and Atmospheric G2.

The month will likely bring "much warmer than average conditions across the Central United States," including Illinois, with the temperature outlook showing "most above" temperatures for the Chicago area, which also has a below average precipitation outlook.

The Chicago area is already seeing the February warmup, with a forecasted high of 54 degrees for parts of the Chicago area on Thursday, and highs in the upper 40s through next week. A "quiet weather pattern" with no rain or snow is also expected into next week.

A large swath of the country extending from Idaho into the Northeast and mid-Atlantic is expected to see above-average temperatures. This includes New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the New England region.

The Northeast also expects to see slightly below-average precipitation next month, the report said, while much of the Midwest, including the Chicago area, expects to see far below-average precipitation.

See also: Spring Arriving Early In Much Of The U.S., New Forecast Predicts

In the West, much of California is expected to see slightly below-average temperatures, with Southern California — including the Los Angeles metro — expected to see temperatures well below average.

The Southwest could see more snow than usual, as well.

“Snowier-than-average conditions in California and parts of the Southwest are expected in strong El Niño winters like we’ve seen this year,” the report said.

The Southeast was also expected to see a cooler-than-usual February, with slightly above-average precipitation.

Additionally, much of the central United States, including the Midwest and Plains, are also expected to see warmer-than-average temperatures next month, the report said.

“Warmer-than-average temperatures are most likely in the Midwest, Plains: An area from far eastern Montana to northern Michigan has the highest likelihood of far-above-average temperatures this February,” the report said, noting that the last half of the month could see temperatures cool off.

The forecast comes after states such as Minnesota saw daily record highs. The Twin Cities reached 50 degrees on Monday.

Others such as New Jersey are bracing for a possible major snowstorm in the back-half of February.

“That said, February is the most likely month for our region to get a major snowstorm, so stay tuned,” the National Weather Service’s Mount Holly Station said.