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West Michigan ending meteorological winter on a warm note

Short and long term forecast features a mild month of February.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — After a short-lived cold snap, West Michigan returns to its unusual warm pattern for the end of the meteorological winter.

The average monthly temperature for February since 1872 is approximately 36°. Despite that, we look to have more days in the 40s and 50s than in the 30s. 

Today through Thursday will be spent in the mid to upper 40s. Friday and Saturday we return into the upper 30s, but we bounce back into the 40s Sunday through Tuesday of next week. 

Beyond that, our 8 to 14-day outlooks from Tue. Feb. 14 through Mon. Feb. 20 calls for above average temperatures and above average precipitation.

Average highs are around 33-35° but models are spitting out temperatures in the mid to upper 50s, possibly even higher but there is still some uncertainty surrounding that. Although, both of our long-term models feature 20 to 30 above normal temperatures.

Here is a look at our 10-day forecast, the European Model's Forecast, and GFS Model Forecast. 

Credit: 13 ON YOUR SIDE
Credit: 13 ON YOUR SIDE
Credit: 13 ON YOUR SIDE

Despite some few degree differences, all indicate the same trend of unseasonable warm air. 

Overall this season, Grand Rapids is 2.9° above the the average temperature. The month of December was right on target temperatures wise, but the month of January was well above average by 7°. With the way February is trending, we will likely end the season well above average.

Credit: 13 ON YOUR SIDE

This matches our current climate trends, where it's notable that Michigan winters are getting warmer and shorter. Since 1970, winters are trending warmer by 4.7°. 

Credit: CLIMATE CENTRAL

Climate Central further found that on average we see about 18 days a season with above-average temperatures. We have already exceeded that number this winter.

Credit: CLIMATE CENTRAL

This is a trend being found not just locally, but nationally as well. Since 1970, winters have warmed by 3.3° on average across a majority of the United States. 

To learn more about the impacts this has on our society, healthy, and economy please check out our Climate Special put together last November:

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