Meteorologists: Groundhog got it wrong

~ Weather experts expect above-average temperatures following short upcoming cold spell.

Meteorologists are in disagreement with Punxsutawney Phil's weather prediction.

Thursday Phil saw his shadow -- meaning six more weeks of winter -- as he emerged from his burrow in Pennsylvania. Every Feb. 2, on Groundhog's Day, thousands of people flock to the small town of Punxsutawney to discover Phil's prediction.

Jim Packett, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky., said Phil's prediction couldn't have been more inaccurate.

"The latest long range forecast shows temperatures and precipitation to be above normal," Packett said. "We do have a little cool stretch coming, starting on Saturday. More than likely it won't last too long and we're going to have weather similar to what we've been having."

That means temperatures will be above the seasonal averages of mid-40s to low-20s, Packett said. "It really hasn't been much of a winter and that's what we expect to continue."

In fact January's temperatures were 11.1 degrees above average. KFVS-12 meteorologist Bob Reeves said the area experienced one of the warmest Januarys on record.

"I believe every day but one was above average temperatures, which is quite unusual" Reeves said. "But I don't think we set any record highs which is also unusual."

Temperatures across the nation were remarkably mild during January. Federal scientists haven't calculated yet whether it ranks as the warmest January on record nationwide, but "it's certainly going to be right up there," said Michael Halpert, a meteorologist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center.

According to the Old 2006 Farmer's Almanac, February will be quite mild with temperatures 8 degrees above average. It also calls for snow towards the end of the month.

When precipitation ended Thursday, Packett said the area received 1 to 2 inches of rain. Another chance for precipitation in the area is expected late Sunday night or early Monday morning.

The last time Phil failed to see his shadow was in 1999 -- and if he had Thursday, legend says spring would come early. But according to meteorologists, temperatures in the next few weeks won't feel much like winter.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

jfreeze@semissourian.com