Last month was the hottest February on record in Texas, topping every February since record-keeping began in the 19th century, reports The Texas Observer.
This should come as no surprise to West Texans, as some Panhandle counties approached temperatures of 100 degrees in the dead of winter. All-time records were set at weather stations across the state, and this winter is on pace to be the hottest ever in the Lone Star State.
The average temperature was 58 degrees, almost eight degrees higher than the historical average.
The early heat has led farmers to plant corn and wheat early, and has caused wildfire season to come early.
Texas wasn’t alone in experiencing unusual warmth. Up north, the ice covering the Great Lakes is nearing record lows, forcing ice rinks to close early.
Global temperatures have continued to rise in recent years. Last year was the hottest year on record, making 2016 the third year in a row to break global temperature records.