This year’s Valentine’s Day made the term ‘cold hands, warm heart’ a reality.

Damp, cold weather swept through the Midwest, bringing an icy chill to Charleston last weekend.

Dalias Price, local weather observer and former Eastern geology professor, said the area received a messy amount of cold precipitation.

“There was only one inch of snow,” he said. “But if all of the precipitation we received were snow, it would add up to five or six inches.”

Temperatures in the 20s prevented melting of precipitation, causing a buildup of snow and ice on roads and sidewalks.

“The temperatures have been so cold, (but) that doesn’t help get rid of this messy stuff,” Price said.

He said there is a chance of warmer temperatures late today and into Tuesday, which may help with the ice and snow problem.

“Since Jan. 15, there have only been two days without snow on the ground,” Price said. He expects the trend to continue, with more precipitation coming later in the week.

The National Weather Service forecast this week shows a high of 32 degrees and low of 20 degrees Monday. Tuesday’s temperatures should reach the mid-40s. Precipitation is forecast to begin late Tuesday or early Wednesday and temperatures should range in the 40s throughout the week.

Charleston has received five inches of snow so far this February, which is one inch more than the typical amount. Price said the snow will continue to surpass the normal amount throughout the rest of the month.