Eastern US to Experience Spring-like Warmth This Week

As developing storm heads toward the Eastern United States, temperatures are expected to rise above average by the middle to end of the week.

Mid- to late-week temperatures in the eastern United States will feel like spring, although it is just mid-February. Residents of the Northeast, eager to escape the chill of winter, will welcome the arrival of temperatures above average, even if they only last a short time.

(Photo : Brook Mitchell/Getty Images)

Spring-like Warmth Expected in Eastern US 

Temperatures were 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit above usual for this time of year in major cities across the Northeast last week. It was in the 60s late this week in cities like Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. 

Temperatures in these cities in mid-February average in the 40s F, so the warmth last week was a breath of fresh air for people looking to spend time outside after a seasonably cold January, according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Jessica Storm. 

After this weekend's light snowfall and below-average temperatures along the Northeast coast, the new week will bring a welcome respite. The first half of the week will be drier due to a growing high pressure in the eastern United States and a strong storm forming in the middle of the country, according to AccuWeather. 

Pittsburgh and New York City are forecast to have temperatures in the 20s F on Tuesday, but the next two days are expected to see a gradual climb in temperatures as well. These cities are forecast to be in the 50s and 60s by Thursday afternoon, when the heat is likely to peak. 

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Areas to Surpass Daily Record High 

The city of Philadelphia is on track to break its 1976 record high temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit for the day. A forecast high of 59 degrees Fahrenheit is expected to break the daily record of 50 degrees Fahrenheit set in Springfield, Massachusetts, on Thursday. 

As the week progresses, the overnight lows will become increasingly mild, as compared to the preceding and following nights. According to Storm, Philadelphia's low temperatures might dip to the mid 40s instead of the customary upper 20s, which could feel warm compared to the city's regular winter chill. 

When it comes to outdoor activities, this blast of springlike weather is likely to climax Thursday, although there's a risk of rain. Even while Wednesday isn't forecast to be as warm as Tuesday, it may still be the better of the two days for those in the Ohio Valley and the Mid-Atlantic due to drier conditions.

(Photo : SERGEI SUPINSKY/AFP via Getty Images)

High Pressure May Return to the Northeast  

Some people may be able to open their windows and spend a few minutes outside if the weather holds off till the end of the week. Increasing temperatures might also bring a short respite to homeowners from high winter heating expenditures, as per UPI. 

Winter enthusiasts and die-hard skiers may be pleased with the expected temperature increase and rains, but others, less so. By Thursday night, any remaining snow or ice accumulation on grassy areas should have melted and washed away. Throughout the mid-Atlantic and central New England, temperatures might fall below freezing by Thursday night. 

AccuWeather's experts expect high pressure to return to the Northeast by next weekend, following the storm that hit the region late last week. As a result, temperatures may be able to stay more in line with the typical for this time of year. Mild temperatures should return by the end of the month.

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