The persistent and frequently severe cold that covered the New York Metropolitan Area produced average temperatures more reminiscent of the spread of the television in the 1930s than the era of smartphones, tablets, and WiFi. In New York City, the mean February temperature came to just 23.9°F (-4.5°C). That monthly average was a record 11.4°F (6.3°C) below normal. No month since regular recordkeeping began in 1869 had ever had a larger cold anomaly. Moreover, only 1885 (22.7°F/-5.2°C) and 1934 (19.9°F/-6.7°C) had a colder February average.

In terms of severe cold, the mercury dipped to 2°F (-16.7°C) on February 20. That was the City’s coldest reading since January 16, 2004 when the thermometer fell to 1° (-17.2°C) and the coldest reading on or after February 20 since February 25, 1914. New York City’s immediate suburbs experienced widespread readings below zero degrees Fahrenheit (-17.8°C). Some parts of New England experienced their coldest month on record and Boston had, by far, its snowiest month ever.

As a result, ice overspread the salt water of the Long Island Sound in a fashion that had not occurred for at least decades. Toward the end of February, the Sound was a mass of solid and floating ice. Below are a few photos of the Long Island Sound taken from Manor Park in Larchmont, New York.


After a snowstorm


After a snowstorm


During a snowstorm


Morning scene


After a snowstorm

The frigid February was followed by an especially snowy March. March 2015 wound up being the snowiest March since 1956.

In recent days, more springlike weather has taken hold, perhaps for good. Crocuses, snowdrops, daffodils, and some other spring blossoms have now begun to color the landscape. The last ice from some local water bodies finally disappeared on April 2.

The seasons are marching ahead. Nevertheless, the past February and its remarkable ice may continue to be a source of stories for children and grandchildren in the years ahead.