Widespread Spring Warmth Coming, Including Some Records

 Linda Lam

Published: March 5, 2021

Widespread above average temperatures will take hold of the central and eastern U.S. next week, with record warmth likely in some areas.

The warmer than average temperatures will prevail thanks to a change in the jet stream. By the middle of next week, the jet stream will take a southward plunge over the western U.S. and then bulge northward over the Plains and East.

The ridge of high pressure over the East will allow southerly winds to spread spring warmth northward and influence conditions for most areas east of the Rockies. Meanwhile, cooler than average temperatures will develop in the West, particularly in the Southwest.

Upper-level setup

Below we take a closer look at how warm it will get and when.

Changes Ahead in the East

A chilly weekend is on tap for much of the Northeast, where temperatures will generally be 5 to 10 degrees below average. Highs across the South will typically be near average for early March.

Low temperatures will be 5 to 15 degrees colder than average for much of the East and South Sunday and Monday mornings. Lows will range from the single digits to the 20s in the Northeast, with 20s and 30s in the Southeast.

Forecast Morning Lows

The warming trend in the East will begin Tuesday afternoon.

Highs will be 15 to 25 degrees above average in the East, with the exception of Florida, by Thursday. This corresponds to temperatures in the 50s and 60s in the Northeast, with 60s and 70s in the mid-Atlantic and Southeast.

(MAPS: 10-Day Forecast)

Dew points will also rise, which will make it feel a bit more humid. Low temperatures will also be warmer than average by late next week.

Forecast Highs

Record Warmth in Parts of Plains, Midwest

Milder temperatures returned to the north-central U.S. during the middle of this past week and that warmup will continue next week.

This will lead to a prolonged period of mild conditions for parts of the Plains and Midwest. This warmth will expand and increase into next week.

High temperatures will be 20 to 30 degrees above average from the Northern and Central Plains into the Great Lakes region early next week. Highs in the 60s and 70s are anticipated with 50s toward the Canadian border.

Low temperatures will also be warmer than average with temperatures only dropping into the 40s at times as far north as Minneapolis and the northern Great Lakes.

Forecast Highs

Temperatures this anomalously warm will also bring the chance for some records to be set.

Daily record highs are possible, mainly in the Northern Plains into the upper Midwest Monday and Tuesday next week. This includes Fargo, North Dakota, on Monday and Minneapolis and Green Bay, Wisconsin, on Tuesday.

Daily record warm low temperatures are also likely in the Plains and Midwest during the middle of next week.

Possible Record Highs

How Long Will Mild Conditions Last?

The warmth will peak in the north-central U.S. during the middle of next week and in the Northeast by late next week.

Temperatures are likely to remain above average in the South and East through next week, as noted by the latest outlook by NOAA's Climate Prediction Center.

However, there are signs that cooler temperatures may return to the central and eastern U.S. next weekend into the following week. That said, the details remain unclear this far out in time, so check back for updates in the days ahead as confidence increases in that forecast.

Temperature Outlook

The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.

The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.