Unseasonably high temperatures have allowed farmers here in Illinois to work in the fields, but many of them are wondering how the weather will affect their crops and orchards.

The State Climatologist Office says February’s statewide average temperature was 40.1 degrees.

Warmer-than-normal temperatures are forecast for the first half of March, too.

State climatologist Jim Angel says the temperatures have raised concerns that a sudden freeze could damage orchards and other crops.

Farmers across the state report that their crops are way ahead of schedule.