Punxsutawney Phil is set to do his thing this weekend, but AccuWeather meteorologists have already revealed—in advance of their 2025 U.S. Spring Forecast—an early look at their predictions for weather trends expected in February. According to the experts, it looks like Spring is on its way for some areas of the country, while others will have to hang on to their winter coats a bit longer.
After a January deep freeze that delivered Arctic blasts and rare Southern snowfall, AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Expert Paul Pastelok reports that the Southern U.S. is already enjoying warmer temps. “The transition to springlike weather and warmer air is happening earlier than the historical average from the southern Plains to the Gulf Coast,” Pastelok said. “There may be some temporary setbacks, but warm air is returning to Florida and the Gulf Coast states.”
On the other hand, he says winter is going to hang around a bit longer in the interior Northeast and Great Lakes, where spring will be more of a stop-and-go affair. “The transition to springlike weather will be sluggish from the Northeast to the Great Lakes and the northern Plains. We expect some back-and-forth between mild stretches and blasts of colder and wintry weather over the next few weeks,” Pastelok explained. “We still have opportunities for snow and ice over the next few weeks in areas that have not seen much snow this winter, like the Midwest. More snow is expected for parts of the Northeast, Great Lakes and the Midwest going forward.”
Despite record snowfall, drought is still an issue in many areas. Right now, 62% of the U.S. is in some stage of drought, a big jump from last year’s 38%. The northern Plains and Southwest, in particular, are struggling with worsening dry conditions. That’s bad news for farmers and anyone hoping for a lush, green spring.
One potential game-changer is a jet stream shift in early February that could shake up the storm track. Whether that means relief for drought-stricken regions or another round of winter surprises is still up in the air.
For the full scoop on when warmer weather will arrive, AccuWeather’s official 2025 U.S. Spring Forecast drops on February 5 at 8:30am EST via Zoom, and will feature a live Q&A with Pastelok.