Phoenix is closing out its coldest February in two decades

PHOENIX – If you think the past month felt unseasonably chilly, your senses aren’t failing.

On the final day of the month, Phoenix is closing out its coldest February in 21 years.

“We’re definitely on track to tie 1998 as the coldest February we’ve had since then,” Larry Hopper of the National Weather Service told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Thursday.

Hopper said this February’s average temperature through Wednesday was 53.8 degrees, but it should tick up to match 1998’s 54.1 degrees after Thursday’s expected high of around 76.

You’d have to go back to 1975, when it averaged 54 degrees, for a colder February.

Enjoy sunny and mild weather over the next five days aside from a slight chance of showers on Saturday. If #Phoenix hits a high temperature within a couple degrees of 76°, this February will tie 1998 (54.1 ° avg temp) as the coldest since 1975 (54.0° avg temp). #azwx pic.twitter.com/n9Gpkn1KYj

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) February 28, 2019

The current month started mildly, but a series of weather disturbances flowed through the Valley to keep temperatures below normal.

Last week’s massive winter storm, which dumped record amounts of rain in Phoenix and snow in northern Arizona, played a role in the chill.

“Anytime you have precipitation, that is a cooling process, and so that helped as well,” Hopper said.

As for March, it appears to be coming in more like a proverbial lamb than a lion.

“We’re going to be pretty nice weather for the most part, sunny for most days with highs near to slightly above normal in the mid to upper 70s,” Hopper said about the first days of the new month.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Jim Cross contributed to this report.

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