The calendar says it’s February, but you’d be forgiven for thinking otherwise with temperatures soaring well into the upper 50s this afternoon. The warm trend continues through the middle of this week, when a potent storm system that will be bringing blizzard conditions to some parts of the Midwest (including Iowa, where caucus turnouts may be adversely impacted) passes through the area. Looking ahead, a cool down is on the way, as is the potential for another coastal storm on the day after the Super Bowl. At this time, thermal profiles are not looking conducive for snow, but as we all saw from the last storm, things could very well change as this storm system evolves.

Rest of today – quite warm, with high temperatures well in the upper 50s under mostly cloudy skies. Periods of light rain look to persist as a cold front makes its way across the area this evening, though it appears most of the precipitation should end by 7PM this evening.

Tuesday – with the cold front passing through tonight, temperatures will moderate tomorrow, dropping into the upper 40s under mostly clear skies.

Wednesday – a complex and potent storm system that will be impacting the Midwest the next couple days will make its way into the region Wednesday. A warm front will pass over our area prior to the passage of a cold front. As we enter the warm sector between these two frontal boundaries, we’ll see a surge of warm air and moisture from the south. This may even lead to a couple isolated rumbles of thunder during the afternoon. Otherwise, expect mostly cloudy skies with showers throughout the afternoon into the evening hours. High temperatures will be quite warm, again approaching 60ºF – and possibly surpassing this mark.

Thursday – just like tomorrow, once the cold front above pushes through the area, temperatures will again cool off back into the upper 40s (which is still about 10ºF above normal), and skies will clear.