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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Weather Extremes

Harris-Mann Climatology The Spokesman-Review

For the week of Feb. 3-9, there were 293 weather records broken or tied. Most of the extremes – 210 – were warm. There were only 18 cold records and 65 precipitation and snowfall extremes.

Most of the record highs occurred from Texas into the Northeast. The very warm conditions, combining with the cold air from the north, led to widespread severe weather across the central and eastern U.S. Strong tornadoes were seen across Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Arkansas and, one of the hardest-hit states, Tennessee, where the deadly twisters were the worst in decades.

High temperatures soared well into the 80s across Texas last week. On Feb. 5, Corpus Christi reported a record 90 degrees. McAllen sizzled with a record 96 degrees on the 5th as well. Readings were mostly in the 70s and 80s across the Southeast. Augusta, Ga., reported 80 degrees on Feb. 5. The Mid-Atlantic states observed springlike conditions with record highs in the mid-70s. Washington, D.C., also had a record high of 74 degrees on the 5th. Normally cool Richmond, Va., observed 70 degrees last Tuesday.

Record heat moved into Southern California Saturday With highs into the 80s. Fullerton reported 86 degrees; Oxnard hit 82.

Nearly all record lows were reported in Alaska. On Friday, Juneau plunged to a frigid minus 21 degrees, smashing the old record of 1 degree set back in 2002.

Record precipitation was observed across the Midwest, the Pacific Northwest and the Northeast last week. On Wednesday, Evansville, Ind., recorded 2.73 inches of moisture. In St. Louis, Mo., 2.36 inches of rain fell. Heavy rains in Hawaii led to widespread flooding. On Feb. 4, Hilo reported a new record of 3.50 inches of rain.

Heavy snows fell across the Upper Midwest and Northeast. On Wednesday, Burlington, Vt., reported a record 11.6 inches of snow. At Madison, Wis., 11.9 inches of snow fell. Goldendale, Wash., picked up 5 inches of snow Feb. 3.