February Weather, Looking Like December All Over Again
Posted 2010-01-22
Much of the U.S. should prepare for another round of severe cold and snowy weather, similar to the recent "December to Remember," but focused farther east. AccuWeather.com
By Carly Porter
AccuWeather.com
Much of the U.S. should prepare for another round of severe cold and snowy weather, similar to the recent "December to Remember," but focused farther east.
AccuWeather.com Expert Senior Meteorologist and Long-Range Forecaster Joe Bastardi sees a "top-ten cold February" in store for much of the U.S., compared to the last 50 years.
"I believe the physical drivers are all there for a major cold month, much like this December was," Bastardi said.
He added that the rally in natural gas prices of late may be attributed to other forecasters coming around to his thinking.
Bastardi suggests that temperatures will be well-below normal for much of the nation in February, with the center of the cold hovering over the Tennessee-Ohio Valley into the Central Appalachians, extending back through the Plains and perhaps the Great Basin.
An active southern storm track will contribute to above-normal snowfall in many areas that experienced above-normal snowfall in December. Parts of Florida could even have another shot at snow.
Bastardi said this February will rival the weather seen in previous Februaries known for their severity.
"It may very well turn into a blend of February '07 and February '03, which were the most extreme Februarys we've had in the last 15 years," said Bastardi. Joe believes that the legendary February of 1958 is not beyond reach.
The demand for heating oil may surge again as the cold weather returns and lingers.
"This upcoming cold, like December, will slap you in the face and kick you in the wallet," Bastardi said.
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