Is Winter Over? Here's Why It Is So Warm In February In Chicago, Detroit And Other US Cities

T-shirt weather in February across the northern United States had many local meteorologists predicting an early end to winter this month, but don't put away your fleece just yet. A weak cold front was expected to hit the northeast Saturday, returning temperatures to their typical winter state, the Washington Post reported.

In the meantime, people across the nation were enjoying sunny skies and snow-free days. "Forget about a taste a summer: Mother Nature just might be canceling the rest of winter altogether," one Detroit news station warned last week as temperatures in the low 40s, including plenty of sun, hit the region.

In Iowa, Des Moines enjoyed 75 degree weather Friday, the second-warmest February day on record for Des Moines since Feb. 24, 1930, when the high was 78. National Weather Service meteorologist Frank Boksa said gusts of warm air entering Iowa were to thank for the warm days, when the "normal" temperature for this time of year tends to be around 30 degrees.

"It's February, so I don't think a lot of people planned outdoor events," Bratvold said. "We are excited about the nice weather and hope it allows visitors to experience more of what the metro has to offer."

In New Jersey, there were highs in the 50s and 60s, including an expected high of 70 degrees later this week, not exactly cause to break out the mittens. It's a stark departure from typical weather for the area, when temperatures tend to stay in the low 40s in February.

“It looks like we are going to be challenging the record for warmest February in New Jersey,” David Robinson, the state climatologist and a Rutgers University professor, told local reporters.

So far, February is turning out to be the third warmest on record since 1895 for New Jersey. The warmest February was recorded in 1999, when the average temperature was 39.1.

In Illinois, Chicago saw temperatures in the 60s and was also looking at record-breaking warmth. At Lincoln Park Zoo, animals sunned themselves on the rocks, while city residents went for a jog or bike ride.