The latest NOAA report unveils the latest assessment of climate in February 2024, showing the warmest winter recorded in the US and devastating wildfires that impacted the Southern Plains.

The agency shows that February 2024 became the third warmest February on record.

NOAA has been monitoring the temperatures in the US, providing forecasts to better prepare for challenging weather events. The assessment highlights important key points about winter conditions, climate, wildfires, temperatures, and precipitation.

In addition, climate change and global warming are two pressing concerns that can shape the climate and weather events. In the recent NWN report, experts warn that climate change can bring intensifying impacts of weather.

In the latest report, NOAA key points reveal that the 2023 to 2024 winter season reached as warmest on record for the contiguous in the country.

Other areas in the US, such as the Great Lakes, Northeast, and Upper Midwest, recorded the warmest winter on record.

NOAA Latest Weather Assessment

 New York City
(Photo : Spencer Platt/Getty Images) The latest NOAA report unveils temperatures, precipitation and drought findings for February 2024.

The report explains the recent Smokehouse Creek wildfire that brought deadly fires in the Texas Panhandle, burning a million acres in the region. In terms of the warmest February, the precipitation records the driest third of the historical record for February.

The temperatures reached 41.1°F, 7.2°F above for the contiguous US with the said month having above average temperatures. Record-warm temperatures also unfolded in Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Southern Plains, and Mississippi Valley.

In the Lower 48 meteorological winter from December to February, the record says that the average temperatures reach 37.6°F, 5.4°F above average. Meanwhile, above-average temperatures with the warmest winter on record in the following areas:

  • North Dakota
  • Vermont
  • New Hampshire
  • Michigan
  • Iowa
  • Minnesota
  • Gulf of Mexico
  • North Dakota

Meanwhile, the February's Drought Monitor Report shows that 21.6% of the contiguous US was in drought. Intensified drought was reported in the southern Plains, Carolinas, Hawaii, Northern Tier, and parts of the Mississippi Valley (northern and central).

Reduced drought was reported in the Southwestern US, central Plains, northern Rockies, and Lower Mississippi Valley.

For the significant wildland fire, NOAA reveals that March can record above normal in central Plains, southern Plains, and Upper Midwest. If the temperatures are warmer or hotter with low relative humidity, strong winds can cause deadly wildfires.

Also Read: Wildfire, Extreme Drought Can Cause Widespread Emergence of Invasive Species in California's Ecosystem

Precipitation Forecast in February

Precipitation is crucial for communities, particularly the drought-stricken areas in the US. Drought and wildfires can occur due lack of rainfall. According to findings, the winter precipitation in the country reaches 7.71 inches or 0.92 inches above average from December to February.

Below-normal temperatures unload in the Great Lakes, Northern Tier, Mississippi Valley, and Maine. On the other hand, the third-wettest winter season on record was unleashed in Delaware and Connecticut.

Related Article: Pacific Northeast Vulnerability to Wildfire Risk Doubled by 2035, New Report Warns

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