After a stretch of winter chill across the region, the long range outlook is signaling a noticeable shift in the overall pattern heading into early March. The Climate Prediction Center’s 6 to 10 day and 8 to 14 day outlooks both favor above average temperatures across much of the eastern United States, including the Delmarva Peninsula.
Temperatures Trending Above Average
For the 6 to 10 day period, Delmarva sits on the edge of the warmer pattern, but still leans toward above normal temperatures. While the strongest warmth is centered over the Plains and Midwest, milder air is expected to expand eastward into the Mid-Atlantic.
By the 8 to 14 day timeframe, confidence increases that much of the East Coast, including Delaware, Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and coastal Virginia, will see above average temperatures. This suggests a sustained stretch of milder weather heading into the first week of March.
For this time of year, average highs are typically in the mid to upper 40s across much of Delmarva. If this pattern verifies, temperatures could frequently climb into the 50s, with even warmer afternoons possible on select days.
The overall setup points toward a reduced risk of prolonged Arctic intrusions and a lower likelihood of significant winter weather systems during this period.
Precipitation Outlook: Near to Slightly Above Normal
When it comes to precipitation, the signal is more subtle for Delmarva.
In the 6 to 10 day outlook, the wetter pattern is focused mainly across the central United States. Delmarva trends closer to near normal precipitation during this timeframe.
Heading into days 8 to 14, the peninsula remains near normal overall, though there are hints of slightly above average precipitation nearby across portions of the Mid-Atlantic and Ohio Valley. That means we cannot rule out periodic rain chances, but there is no strong signal for an especially wet or dry stretch at this time.
Given the expected milder temperatures, any precipitation that does occur would favor rain rather than wintry weather.
