Dramatic temperature swing to bring return of springlike air to northeastern US

After a cooldown to start the week, springlike air will return to the northeastern United States on Wednesday, while warmth holds over much of the Midwest.

Temperatures will soar to levels more typical of April, according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Kyle Elliott.

In many areas, the warmth will last through Friday and in some cases linger into Saturday.

"Record high temperatures will be challenged for two to four days in a row in some locations," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski.

"In some places, such as Philadelphia, records dating back to the middle 1800s may be broken," Sosnowski said.

It may be warm enough for some residents to open up the windows. Those who head outdoors can leave winter gear in the closet.

“Temperatures are expected to reach into the 50s F as far north as upstate New York and southern Maine on Thursday, while 60-degree temperatures push into northern Pennsylvania and southern New York,” Elliott said.

“Temperatures can soar into the 70s as far north as southern Pennsylvania, with 80-degree readings possible as far north as southern Virginia,” he added.

High temperatures at this level are around 20 to 30 degrees above average.

During late February, highs typically range from the middle 30s across New England to the lower 50s in the mid-Atlantic.

Where the snowpack remains deep across upstate New York and New England, melting and freezing cycles throughout this week can lead to a few slippery spots on roads and sidewalks.

The warmth will likely be slashed during the weekend as a fresh blast of cold air pushes eastward. The switch back to colder weather may be marked with heavy and locally severe thunderstorms.

The temperature roller-coaster ride is set to continue into March in the East as cold shots and surges of warm air flip back and forth over the region, according to Elliott.

“Temperatures can change by 50 degrees or more over a two- or three-day stretch fairly often during March,” Elliot said.

High temperatures throughout the past weekend were around 10 to 20 degrees above normal across the mid-Atlantic and New England.

Record highs were broken in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Williamsport and State College, Pennsylvania; Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio; and Detroit to name a few.

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