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Learning Center / Model Parameters / Surface & Precipitation

Surface Anomalies (Temperature & PWAT)

How unusual temperature or moisture is compared with normal.

ECMWF 2 m temperature anomaly map of North America showing temperatures 30 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit below normal across the eastern United States — 2 m temperature anomaly (°F) showing a deep Arctic outbreak over the eastern U.S., from the ECMWF model. Init: Sat 2024-12-28 00z, valid Fri 2025-01-10 18z.

What the map shows

Unusually warm, cold, wet or dry air for the time of year.

How to read the colors

Reds above normal, blues below normal; white is near normal.

Common mistakes

Reading a large anomaly as extreme weather — 10°F above normal in January is still cold in many places.

Key terms

Open in Pivotal Weather

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