March to run warmer than normal: Outlook

March’s preliminary U.S. temperature outlook is in. 

What’s happening: Most of the country is set to experience above-normal temperatures during the month — with ‘normal’ defined as the 30-year average — according to National Weather Service (NWS) data released Thursday. 

• Meanwhile, a band stretching from the Pacific Northwest through the northern Plains and Upper Midwest, as well as most of New England, faces an equal chance of temperatures being above or below normal.

Zoom out: The NWS also published a three-month outlook for March through May, which largely mirrors the monthly forecast. Full map 

• Of note: A final March outlook will be released on February 28.