Long Range Forecast – Cold Weather Remains, But Changes Are On the Horizon

If you are tired of the cold weather that has gripped the Carolinas and you are ready for a pattern change, the bad news is the short term looks to remain cold. But, as we move into February, indications are that warm conditions may be on the way.

January Has Been A Cold Month and The Colder Weather Is Expected to Continue

After a very warm December and record temperatures many days, the start of the year brought colder temperatures to the eastern United States. This colder weather has held on strong with three winter storms so far. Looking forward, the rest of the month looks to remain cold with temperatures expected to be below average. The GFS computer model, pictured below (weathermodels.com), shows temperatures remaining below average for the next seven days. The NWS Climate Prediction Center agrees looking into the end of January with a likely chance of below average temperatures. Additionally, we must be on the lookout for wintry weather through the end of the month as precipitation is expected to be above average as well. There is no specific wintry threats at the moment, but the pattern remains favorable for wintry weather.

February Expected to Feature Return to Above Average Temperatures

The good news for those who are tired of this cold and wintry weather is that a warm up is expected towards the beginning of February. The NAO is expected to remain positive while the PNA is expected to move negative, and coupled with the transition in the MJO, warmer temperatures are expected to return to the Carolinas. The images below are the latest forecast from the Climate Prediction Center and it shows warmer than average temperatures are expected across the eastern seaboard.