By Saturday afternoon, temperatures will rise and peak in the low to mid-70s, much warmer than yesterday. The warming trend is attributed to a ridge of high pressure, which will continue into Sunday, bringing highs close to 80 degrees.Typically, the average high for this time of year is around 64 degrees.

A severe arctic blast affected much of the country during the first half of February in 1899. Temperatures fell below zero in every state. A century later, records from that coldest day remain unchallenged.

North Texas will experience its coldest night since March, with temperatures dropping into the 30s and frost expected. Thursday will be sunny with highs in the upper 60s to low 70s. The sunny trend continues through Friday,

Another chilly morning in the 30s tomorrow. Then a big warm-up for the weekend. Cooler days arrive just in time for the holiday.