The sun was shining, the birds were singing and DeKalb experienced a little bit of spring when unseasonably high temperatures came through the area Monday.

The temperature Monday hit a high of 46 degrees, well above the normal temperature of 29 degrees. A jet stream that shifted north caused the higher temperatures, and the National Weather Service in Rockford reports the higher temperatures to stay for the rest of the week.

“The DeKalb area can expect highs in the 40s and lows in the 30s for the rest of the week, with a chance of rain on Thursday,” said forecaster Dale Helgerson. “So far, we have had a great February weather-wise, and we don’t expect any big change in the weather pattern as of right now.”

The higher temperatures melted most of the snow on the ground, resulting in big puddles all over campus. The NIU grounds crew reported no problems with the draining of the excess water, but grounds crew worker Harry Berg said they would work on some of the potholes that were being uncovered by the melting of the snow.

Michael Haines, the medical staff coordinator at the University Health Service, warns that the warm weather can sometimes make people sick easier.

“People get excited about the warm weather and start not dressing properly for the weather,” Haines said. “When they do not dress properly, especially when participating in some athletic activity, they get chilled easier without realizing it.”