A frigid February or early start to spring? Weather experts weigh in on the GA forecast

Although we just experienced what could be “the coldest January in more than a decade,” according to AccuWeather meteorologists, winter may be coming to a close, ushering in warmer conditions and a possible early spring.

Let’s see what the forecast looks like for February in Georgia.

What AccuWeather says

AccuWeather meteorologists are predicting warmer weather to come.

“The transition to springlike weather and warmer air is happening earlier than the historical average from the southern Plains to the Gulf Coast,” said Paul Pastelok, AccuWeather lead long-range expert. “There may be some temporary setbacks, but warm air is returning to Florida and the Gulf Coast states.”

In fact, AccuWeather experts are predicting much of the South to get an early spring, but winter will be sticking around for the Northeast and Great Lakes.

So, what are other experts saying?

Here’s what the National Weather Service predicts

Much like AccuWeather experts, the National Weather Service (NWS) forecast says February will be warmer than normal for the South.

Looking at the monthly long-range forecast for February, the NWS is predicting that temperatures will be “leaning above” average for Georgia and surrounding states. As far as for precipitation, the South will see below average precipitation in February, according to the NWS.

Local forecasts

Macon

The Weather Channel’s 10-day forecast for Macon looks to be sticking with the warming trends. Here’s a look:

• Feb. 1-3: highs around 68 and lows around the mid 40s. Mild weather, mostly sunny.

• Feb. 4-9: very warm highs around mid to high 70s and lows will be in the high 40s to mid 50s. Rain chances remain low.

• Feb. 10-14: a slight drop with highs around mid to upper 60s and lows in the mid 40s. Rain chances increase to about 30-40%.

Columbus

Here’s a look at The Weather Channel’s 10-day forecast for Columbus:

• Feb. 1-3: Sunny and warm. Highs around 70 and lows in the 40s.

• Feb. 4-9: Highs will reach 76 and lows only dipping to around 50. Plenty of clouds and sun, with rain chances remaining low.

• Feb 10-14: a little cooler, with rain chances increasing. Highs will be around low to mid 60s and lows around 48.

What do you think the weather will be like in February? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com.

Chelsea Madden

The Telegraph

Chelsea is a service journalism reporter who began working for McClatchy in 2022. She was born and raised in Middle Georgia and lives in Forsyth. She attended Wesleyan College for undergrad and a few years after that, went to SCAD for an MFA in writing. Outside of work, Chelsea likes to watch Netflix, read books in the thriller genre and chase her toddler around.