Philadelphia: Springlike warmth to start February, not last into late week

By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist

January 31,2016; 11:19PM,EST

 

 

The start of February will actually feel more like spring around Philadelphia before more typical winter chill makes a comeback later in the week.
Residents will not get much use out of heavy winter jackets and will be able to save on heating costs early this week with mild air surging in.
The warmth will also further erase evidence of the recent blizzard.

Record warmth impacts the Northeast

Temperatures both Monday and Wednesday will rise to within a couple degrees of 60 F when highs in the lower 40s are more common. Record highs will be challenged on Wednesday.
A brief cooldown will separate these days, but Tuesday will still be mild by early February standards.

Tuesday will feature dry and mostly sunny conditions. Rain, however, threatens to spoil outdoor plans for those hoping to take advantage of the mild weather on Monday or Wednesday. That is especially true on Wednesday.
A couple of showers will dampen the area Monday afternoon and evening. Steadier rain and gusty winds will then follow on Wednesday. It is not out of the question for a rare February thunderstorm to rumble.
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In addition to ruining outdoor plans, commuters can anticipate slower travel and delays at midweek.
The passage of the cold front will open the door for more typical February air to return and cause temperatures to trend downward later in the week.

AccuWeather meteorologists will be keeping a close eye on a winter storm riding along the leading edge of the cold air that may also try to graze the Northeast coast later in the week.