US Health Seasonal Forecast: February 2024
Local weather forecasts for winter weather, hurricanes, wildfires, and droughts
Alaska: There is a small chance of above-average temperatures in February for most parts of Alaska. Above-normal precipitation is expected in parts of southern Alaska, including Anchorage.
northwest: There is a moderate to high chance of warmer-than-normal temperatures in February across much of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. drought It tends to persist in small areas in Washington state, central Oregon, and northern Idaho, with improvement and removal occurring in western Oregon.
southwest: Many areas of the Southwest, including central and southern California, have an increased chance of above-average precipitation in February, related to atmospheric river effects early in the month.Multiple heavy mountain periods snow Very likely. Southern California and parts of the desert Southwest will have a slightly higher chance of near-normal temperatures. drought The trend persists across much of New Mexico, although it has improved from Arizona and western New Mexico to parts of Colorado, southern Nevada and eastern Utah.
Hawaii and the Pacific Islands: In February, temperatures are expected to be above normal and precipitation is likely to be below normal. drought Sustainability and development are projected for most areas of Hawaii.
caribbean: drought Sustainability and development are expected in most areas of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in February.significantly above normal Forest fire* Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are predicted to have that possibility.
northern great plains: Temperatures are very likely to be above normal across much of Montana, the Dakotas, and Nebraska. Above-normal precipitation will most likely occur in western Nebraska and southern South Dakota. drought Persistence is preferred in western Montana, northwestern Wyoming, northern North Dakota, parts of southeastern South Dakota, and eastern Nebraska. Drought relief is favored in parts of southern Wyoming.
southern great plains: The chance of above-average temperatures increases northward from northern Texas to Kansas. A moderate chance of above-average precipitation is expected for most of the region during February. drought Remediation and clearing are expected in parts of southern Oklahoma, southern and eastern Texas, and much of Kansas. Drought conditions are expected to continue in West Texas.
Midwest: Above-normal temperatures are very likely in Minnesota and Wisconsin, but the rest of the country is likely to continue experiencing warmer temperatures. A moderate chance of below-average precipitation is expected in the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley regions. drought It also tends to persist in large parts of Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, and Michigan, as well as parts of western Illinois and western Michigan. Drought improvement and relief is favored in southern Missouri, southern Illinois, and southern Indiana.
southeast: Parts of the Southeast coast, including Florida, will likely experience near-normal temperatures in February, while above-normal precipitation is expected along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. Widespread drought improvement is predicted in drought-affected areas. Drought improvement and relief is favored across the drought areas of Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, southeastern Arkansas, and northwest Georgia.
northeast: Inland areas of the Northeast have a slightly higher chance of above-average temperatures. Most regions show a slight tilt toward below-normal precipitation. Most of the Northeast is expected to remain drought-free, with the exception of parts of western New York, Nantucket Island, and Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts. drought is expected to continue.
*Wildfire smoke can affect health even hundreds of miles from the fire scene.
Winter weather forecasts are sourced from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). winter outlookNOAA Drought Forecast National integrated drought information system, Forest fire forecast from National Interagency Coordination Centerand NOAA hurricane forecasts. National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center.
Learn more about climate disasters, their health impacts, and resources to protect yourself and your community here.
Previous editions of Climate and Health Outlook are also available.
We would like to thank our partners, including the Department of Children and Families, for providing valuable information, expertise and data to our Climate and Health Perspectives series. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Department of Agriculture, including but not limited to the Forest Service. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Climate Prediction Center, National Centers for Environmental Information, National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center, National Integrated Drought Information System, National Integrated Heat and Health Information System, and National Water Center. National Interagency Fire Center. Bureau of Land Management; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. U.S. Geological Survey. California Air Resources Board. Oregon Health Authority. San Mateo County Health Department. U.S. National Phenology Network. Atlanta Allergies and Asthma. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Region 2 Pediatric Environmental Health Specialist Unit. California Department of Public Health. Maricopa County Public Health Department.
