Plains, South to Bask in Springlike Warmth Into Next Week

By Brian Lada, Meteorologist

February 7,2015; 12:35PM,EST

 

While the calendar may read early February, it will feel more like early May across the Plains and the South through the weekend and into the start of next week.
Winter coats will start to gather dust as temperatures approach record levels several days in a row. This translates to highs 10 to 30 degrees above average for the Plains and 10 to 15 degrees above average for much of the South.
The warmest air will focus on a zone stretched from western Texas through eastern Colorado where highs are forecast to climb into the 70s each day through Monday.
Some warmth will spill into the Southeast, Ohio Valley and the southern part of the mid-Atlantic region as well. Highs in this area will generally range from the 50s to the 60s.
The Florida Peninsula will experience temperatures close to average with highs mainly in the 70s. The nights will be on the cool side of average this weekend.

Folks looking to spend some time outdoors this weekend shouldn't have to worry about unsettled weather ruining their plans as dry conditions will accompany the warm spell.
Sunshine and near-record warmth will continue to eat away at the snow cover across the Plains, which is already running below normal for this time of year.
This is partly due to the mild pattern that closed out the month of January. By the end of the weekend, much of the Plains could be left with little to no snow on the ground.

Hikers and mountaineers planning to head up into the mountains will still encounter feet of snow, however.
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The layers of snow that have accumulated on the mountains so far this winter paired with the warmer weather could become a deadly combination as it can raise the risk of avalanches.
Anyone headed into the mountains should check avalanche reports and take the proper precautions to avoid being caught in an avalanche.
Mild weather is expected to hold over the Plains through the first part of the upcoming week; however, this pattern will begin to break down as the week progresses.

A front diving southward from Canada will deliver a shot of colder, more seasonable air to the region around the middle of the week.
This front can also bring the next chance of rain or snow to the region, although the arrival and the intensity of the precipitation has yet to be determined.
Continue to check back with AccuWeather.com for more information concerning the return of cold air to the Plains next week.