HOLT, Fla., March 11, 2017—This February was the sixth warmest winter month on record, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

During February, the average temperature across the contiguous United States was 7.3 degrees Fahrenheit above the 20th century average making it the second warmest February in the 123-year period of recordkeeping, according to NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information.

Between December 2016 and this February, the average temperature was 3.7 degrees above average, the sixth warmest winter on record.

Nearly one-quarter of the United States recorded a record-warm February. Louisiana and Texas had the warmest winters on record.

AccuWeather statistics for Crestview in February showed all but two days the temperatures were above the historical average. Feb. 12, the temperature was as much as 18 degrees above the historical average.

In northwest Florida, February 1895 was the coldest on record at 9.6 degrees below average, and February 1932 was the warmest at 9.6 degrees above average, according to NOAA.

Stephanie Holcombe