The first part of the week saw not only a return of above normal warmth in some parts of the nation but record high temperatures for this time of year as well.

Participants: Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey

TRANSCRIPT

The northern plains and Midwest this month have been warmer than usual.

Temperatures for the month to date are running at least 10 degrees above normal, in some cases closer to 20 degrees Fahrenheit above normal for the month of February.

With USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey reporting one more surge of above normal warmth to close the month, peaking Monday in impacted regions.

We have seen temperatures that have reached all time February and in some cases all time winter record levels over the last couple of days.

Examples from February 26th in the Midwest, we saw temperatures rising to 76 in Moline, Illinois, 72 degrees as we look at Dubuque, Iowa and 69 degrees in Rochester, Minnesota.

Some of those temperatures breaking records going as far back as the 19th century.

Rippey adds that the warmth will come to an abrupt halt midweek due to a cold front.

I'm Rod Bain reporting for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C.