February is here. It is the last month of meteorological winter and acts as a gateway to spring.

Even though we get to enjoy more daylight and a rise in daily average temperatures, February is still the second coldest and second snowiest month of the year in Ohio.

The month of February brings variable weather from day to day and from year to year. Ohio can experience anything from heavy snow and whipping winds, to strong thunderstorms and flooding rainfall.

Temperatures during the month can soar into the 70s one day and plummet to below zero on another.

Using local weather observation data taken throughout the state, average temperatures and precipitation are calculated within 30-year intervals. The averages in the graphic below are reflected from data taken between 1991 to 2020.

Normal high temperatures range from the mid- 30s to lower 40s around the beginning of February. By the end of the month, average high temperatures are pushed up another 6 or 7 degrees, ranging from the lower to upper 40s.

Statistically, this is the second coldest month of the year in Ohio.

Average monthly snowfall is around a half-foot in southern and central Ohio, with double-digit totals expected across the northern parts of the state.

February is typically the second snowiest month after January.

You may remember February 2023 as being anything but typical. Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton all had their least snowiest February on record, while Cleveland had their third least snowiest.

Last February also ranked among the top 10 warmest on record for many places throughout the state.

From the wettest and warmest, to snowiest and coldest, many cities saw monthly observations place among the top 10 in February. Since 2010, here's a look at the rankings taken in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus.

The Climate Prediction Center's (CPC) temperature and precipitation outlook for February 2024 will be influenced by the ongoing El Niño pattern.

This generally means we can expect temperatures to be near and above normal at times for a good portion of the month.

As for precipitation, we will surely see some rain and snow. However, it is probable that we will see less than what we would normally expect. Drier-than-normal weather could also lead to some concerns as we head into spring and the beginning of the growing season.

Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.