Summary
**NOAA** reports the contiguous U.S. averaged **40.4°F** in February 2026, **6.6°F above** 20th-century norms, ranking second warmest on record. **Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Oklahoma** set statewide records, while the **Northeast** endured its coldest winter in decades. Precipitation deficits spanned **11 states**, with **Mississippi** breaking its 1947 drought record. [[climate-change|Climate change]] intensifies regional extremes, but [[drought|drought]] impacts remain underreported. [[~temperature-records|Temperature records]] and [[~precipitation-deficits|precipitation deficits]] highlight a **warming planet** with uneven consequences. [[~alaska-temperature|Alaska]] cooled slightly, while **Hawaii** warmed marginally. [[~noaa|NOAA]] data underscores the need for adaptive policies. [[~agriculture|Agriculture]] and [[~water-resources|water resources]] face unprecedented strain. [[~climate-resilience|Climate resilience]] strategies must address both heatwaves and droughts.
Key Takeaways
- February 2026 was the second-warmest February on record, with 40.4°F averaging 6.6°F above 20th-century norms
- 11 states faced historic droughts, including Mississippi breaking its 1947 drought record
- Daytime highs reached 48.3°F, the warmest winter on record for daytime highs
- Alaska cooled slightly, contrasting with [[~global-warming|global warming]] trends
- Precipitation deficits spanned 11 states, exacerbating [[~water-scarcity|water scarcity]]
Balanced Perspective
**NOAA** data confirms February 2026 was **second warmest** on record, with **40.4°F** averaging **6.6°F above** 20th-century norms. **11 states** faced historic droughts, while **Alaska** cooled slightly. **Daytime highs** reached **48.3°F**, the warmest winter on record for [[~daytime-highs|daytime highs]]. **Mississippi** broke its 1947 drought record, but **precipitation deficits** spanned **11 states**. [[~climate-change|Climate change]] trends align with [[~global-warming|global warming]] patterns, though regional variability persists.
Optimistic View
**Record warmth** could accelerate [[~renewable-energy|renewable energy]] adoption, as [[~solar-power|solar power]] and [[~wind-energy|wind energy]] expand in [[~southwest|Southwest]] states. **Drought resilience** investments may spur innovation in [[~water-conservation|water conservation]] tech. The **second-warmest winter** on record validates [[~climate-science|climate science]] models, boosting public support for [[~climate-policy|climate policy]]. [[~alaska|Alaska]]'s cooling anomaly could redirect [[~federal-funding|federal funding]] to [[~northeast|Northeast]] infrastructure.
Critical View
**Drought** threatens **agricultural yields** in [[~midwest|Midwest]] and [[~southeast|Southeast]], risking food security. **Heatwaves** strain [[~health-care|health care]] systems, particularly in [[~southwest|Southwest]] states. **Alaska**'s cooling anomaly may mask broader [[~climate-crisis|climate crisis]] trends. **Precipitation deficits** could exacerbate [[~wildfire-risk|wildfire risk]] and [[~water-scarcity|water scarcity]]. [[~climate-policy|Climate policy]] lags behind scientific consensus, risking economic and ecological collapse.
Source
Originally reported by ncei.noaa.gov