According to the NOAA, February 2014 was tied for 21st warmest with 2001. It was .45C colder than 1998. Brrr.
But it was also colder than 1983 and 1987 and 1991 and only .1C warmer than 1973. 1973!!!!
The trend for February from 1998 is down -0.15C/decade.