By NATASHA BRENNEMAN
Staff writer
With warmer temperatures this week it feels like spring has sprung, but the uptick will soon be over.
Bill Modzelewski, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, said the Oil Region can expect the temperature Friday to reach near 70.
“Friday will be the warmest day of the (weeklong) stretch in Venango and Clarion counties,” Modzelewski said. “It’s not very unusual to have several warm days in a row at the end of February or the beginning of March.”
He said the warmer temperatures this week are a result of the jetstream remaining farther north than normal, but added that there will be a cool-down through the weekend.
“Saturday, the area can expect a change,” Modzelewski said. “High temperatures will be between the high 40s and 50.”
He said there will be a slight chance of showers Friday night, and that Monday night will bring a 40 percent chance of rain and snow showers.
The reason for the cool-down, the meteorologist said, is a cold front that will come through the area.
“There is no major storm in the forecast for the upcoming week,” Modzelewski said. “There is a low chance of snow, but there won’t be major accumulation.”
He added that heading into March, the area can expect around average precipitation and temperatures.
But don’t put away those winter coats just yet.
“We’re still a long way off from winter being over,” Modzelewski said. “We could still get snow in the area in March and even into April.”
