The U.S. unemployment rate rose to 9 percent in mid-February, up from 8.6 percent at the end of January, according to the Gallup polling firm.

The numbers suggest official unemployment rates — which came to 8.3 percent in January — are due to climb.

"The mid-month reading normally reflects what the U.S. government reports for the entire month," Gallup reports.

"Gallup's mid-month unemployment reading, based on the 30 days ending Feb. 15, serves as a preliminary estimate of the U.S. government report, and suggests the Bureau of Labor Statistics will likely report on the first Friday of March that its seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased in February."

Read more on Newsmax.com: Gallup: Unemployment Rate Spikes to 9 Percent