February Capped off a Warm, Dry Winter

news image
Special Stories
10 Mar 2022 2:00 AM
[Blizzard conditions observed in Grand Forks, ND on the morning of February 11th. Image from the NWS Grand Forks] February continued 2022’s relatively dry start, with the majority of the contiguous U.S. in drought. Here are more highlights from NOAA’s latest monthly U.S. climate report:

Climate by the numbers

The average temperature across the contiguous U.S. last month was 33.8 degrees F, 0.1 of a degree F below the 20th-century average, ranking in the middle third of the climate record. Below-average temperatures were felt across portions of the northern Plains, Great Lakes and from the central Rockies to the Gulf Coast. Temperatures were above average across portions of the West Coast as well as from the Southeastern U.S. to New England. February’s average precipitation was 1.73 inches (0.40 of an inch below average), which ranked in the driest third of the historical climate record. Above-average precipitation fell from the Mid-Mississippi Valley to New England, with Ohio seeing its sixth-wettest February on record. Precipitation was below average across most of the West and portions of the Plains, Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. California and Nebraska had their second-driest Februarys on record, while Nevada had its third driest.

Other notable climate events

Drought tightened its grip: By the end of February, 59.2% of the contiguous U.S. was in drought, up nearly 4% from the beginning of February. Drought conditions expanded or intensified across portions of the northern and central Plains, as well as across parts of the West, Midwest, Great Lakes and from Florida to the Carolina coast. Drought severity lessened across portions of the southern Plains and across Puerto Rico. A winter storm walloped many: A massive winter storm stretched from Texas to Maine during the first week of February and brought heavy snow, freezing rain, ice and bitterly cold temperatures to much of the eastern two-thirds of the contiguous U.S. More than a foot of snow fell across parts of the Northeast. Fallen power lines and trees caused power outages across many states, and thousands of flights were canceled amid treacherous travel conditions. A record wet February and winter for Alaska: Alaska saw its wettest February in its 98-year period of record. Looking at some cities in the state, Juneau had its wettest February, following a record-wet January. King Salmon also saw its wettest February on record, while Anchorage ranked second wettest. February contributed to Alaska also seeing its wettest winter on record, eclipsing the previous wettest winter of 1928-29.
All Weather News
More
Hurricane Flossie Continues to Weaken

Hurricane Flossie Continues to Weaken

Hurricane FlossieThe National Hurricane Cente

3 Jul 2025 2:50 AM
NHC Monitoring Front in the Southeast Ahead of 4th of July

NHC Monitoring Front in the Southeast Ahead of 4th of July

Later this week, a frontal boundary is expect

3 Jul 2025 1:00 AM
Northern Plains to Upper Midwest Severe Storms Threaten Holiday Travel

Northern Plains to Upper Midwest Severe Storms Threaten Holiday Travel

NORTHERN PLAINS - A frontal system is expecte

3 Jul 2025 1:00 AM
Northeast Severe Threat on Thursday

Northeast Severe Threat on Thursday

NORTHEAST -A shortwave trough will swing thro

3 Jul 2025 12:30 AM
Northwest Heat Met With Thunderstorm Risk

Northwest Heat Met With Thunderstorm Risk

NORTHWEST - Today, portions of Montana are un

3 Jul 2025 12:00 AM
Near Seasonal Temperatures for Many Come July 4th!

Near Seasonal Temperatures for Many Come July 4th!

AAA is expecting over 70 million travelers to

2 Jul 2025 6:40 PM
Severe Weather Threat Continues in the Midwest

Severe Weather Threat Continues in the Midwest

It has been an active, severe season across t

30 Jun 2025 9:00 PM