WASHINGTON, March 9, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - The 2023-24 winter season was the warmest ever recorded for the contiguous United States, excluding Hawaii and Alaska, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Friday.
 
   "The meteorological winter (December-February) average temperature for the lower 48 was 37.6 degrees Fahrenheit (3.1C), 5.4 degrees F (3C) above average, ranking as the warmest winter on record," the agency said.