Southern states lead 15% rise in February heating demand

U.S. heating demand in February rose 15 percent compared to 2024, according to national weather data published on Monday.  

The big picture: The three-month period from December to February saw nationwide demand for heating climb 13 percent compared to the same period last year. 

Details: The U.S. recorded 717 Heating Degree Days (HDDs) in February, according to data from the National Weather Service. 

• Catch up: HDDs measure heating demand by subtracting a day’s average temperature from 65 ℉.
• During the same month last year, the U.S. recorded 622 HDDs. 

Zoom in: The Midwest experienced a 40 percent jump in HDDs, while moderate temperatures in the Mountain and Pacific regions tempered heating demand, which fell seven percent compared to last February.  

• The region encompassing Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas saw an even sharper jump than the Midwest, at 46 percent year-over-year, leading the country.  
• Other U.S. areas, according to the data, experienced only moderate fluctuations from last February.

What’s next: March’s heating numbers will be available in early April.