Early March looks to be warmer, wetter than normal

Our first week of March will start out warmer and wetter than average, according to the National Weather Service.

The Climate Prediction Center's 6-to-10 day outlook points warmer than average temps for almost everyone east of a line from Texas to Minnesota. Paducah's historical average temperatures for the first week of March are 55 and 35.

That's a stark contrast to a week ago when most of the nation was gripped by extreme cold.

Basically, only Maine and California look to be below normal for temperatures from March 3-7. At the same time, only a portion of west Texas should receive below-normal rainfall. Our portion of the lower Ohio Valley is on the edge of an area of higher-than-average precipitation centered over Tennessee.

The Ohio River itself is slowly receding after reaching moderate flood stage in the past week. 

Soil moisture is also normal for our immediate area, as indicated by the USDA's weekly drought monitor.