Norfolk posts a rare February record: 80 degrees

To appreciate just how unusually warm it was Wednesday, as Norfolk hit a record high of 80, consider this:

The mercury was expected to plunge about 25 degrees Thursday – yet that would still make for a warmer-than-normal day for this time of year.

Thursday’s high, under mostly sunny skies, should be in the upper 50s, the National Weather Service said. Based on historical data, the high for the date averages at 49.

The record high will be secure. That’s 76 set in 1904.

A strong cold front was to sweep away the region’s summery break from February. Thankfully, it was expected to arrive overnight absent the severe storms that brought death and devastation to several states Tuesday.

So far, every day this month has been warmer than normal in Norfolk. Friday’s high was 68; Saturday, 51; Sunday, 55; Monday, 68; and Tuesday, 75.

Getting to 80 in Norfolk in February doesn’t happen often. Of the month’s 29 days, only nine dates show a record of 80 or 81. And there are only two dates when the record is higher – 82. Continuous weather observations began locally in 1871.

Norfolk wasn’t alone in enjoying the warmth Wednesday.

The Portsmouth Weather Records Service recorded a high of 79 in the West Cradock section of the city.

Among the records set across the Mid-Atlantic region Wednesday, compared to the old mark, were these reported by the Weather Service:

• Norfolk, 80, 75 in 2004.

• Richmond, 79, 71 in 1938.

• Elizabeth City, N.C., 79, 77 in 1938.

• Raleigh, N.C., 77, 70 in 1999.

• Reagan National Airport, 74, 69 in 1938.

• Baltimore, 72, 70 in 1938.

• Dulles International Airport, 71, 66 in 1990.

• Roanoke, 68, 67 in 1990.

• Bluefield, W.Va., 66, 63 in 1990.

• Asheville, N.C., 63, 60 in 2001.

Steve Stone, (757) 446-2309, steve.stone@pilotonline.com