The Scandinavia Index was negative during February and remains negative for the weekend. However, the -SCAND reverses to positive phase later next week causing the pattern to change from cold across the North and mild/stormy South so far in February to somewhat milder and drier for the southern half of Europe while cold eases in the North heading into March.

The latest U.S. gas population weight HDD forecast reveals a return to seasonably cold weather and near normal national heating demand next week. However, utilizing ECM, CFS, and 3 AI models, the week 4-5 HDD projections are generally quite warm.