AUSTIN, TX — Clearly, Mother Nature didn't get the memo. Even though we're still officially in winter, temperatures on Tuesday were expected to beat a record high set four years ago, with unseasonably warm temps continuing through the week.

According to the National Weather Service, forecasters predict the high today to reach 87 degrees at the gauge in Camp Mabrey. That's two degrees higher than the record high of 85 degrees reached in 2013, forecasters noted. Those who enjoy this aberrant weather over what is known as "wintertime" elsewhere in the country will be able to luxuriate in balmy temps on Wednesday, when a peak of 86 degrees is forecast. That's another record-breaker, besting the all-time high of 85 degrees set way back in 1962.

By Wednesday, temperatures are expected to fall back in line with the season (well, sort of, with all this being relative here in Central Texas) with temps in the 70s in what forecasters are categorizing as a "cold front" without irony. But this so-called cold spell will be short-lived. By Thursday, the high is expected to reach 72 degrees and increase to 75 degrees by Friday. By Saturday, we'll see a return of the 80s — not the music (which was pretty great) — with a high of 83 degrees expected.

So, you might be asking: Will we see any rain? Well, there is a slight chance of showers by this Sunday, with chances improving late that evening into Monday. But the chances are minimal, with about a 40 percent chance of precipitation next week. Take solace or a sense of esprit de corps in knowing we won't be alone in seeing such high temperatures. The NWS is forecasting record-breaking highs in Del Rio, Fredericksburg, Houston, Rockport, San Antonio and elsewhere.

These are the dog days of winter, folks. Yes, we know the canine reference is normally reserved to describe winter, but in Texas it's increasingly accurate to appropriate the term for winter.

Mother Nature, please explain yourself, cuz this is just plain unnatural.