More About The Weather
March Extremes
As this is a gardening journal, it should document the notable weather trends that occurred this spring.
Temperatures will plunge into the teens again today, but a record-breaking heatwave is forecast for next week.
Summer-like heat is expected, and there are heat warnings in effect.
Of course, I'll take this opportunity to spring clean and ready the beds for this season's planting, which is still two months out.
Heat waves may come and go, but the day of last frost is still in May.
The weeds, however, are oblivious to this information and will demand multiple weeding sessions before I can even think about planting.
Rose pruning must wait because the forsythia, which should be blooming by now, has not.
It is remarkable to get a freeze warning and an extreme heat warning in the same week, so I thought it worth mentioning here.
Reliable Weather Patterns
Although this year's heat wave is extreme, the brief period of summer-like weather in late March is a dependable trend; temperatures often climb into the seventies near March 25.
Don't get tricked into early planting; the abnormally hot weather is usually followed by snow on April Fool's Day, also a very reliable weather pattern.
April is a rainy, cold, and moody month, one that only the spring bulbs and a few cold-hardy perennials can love.
Gardeners who diligently planted bulbs last fall will enjoy a colorful and fragrant spring garden in April, thanks to daffodils, tulips, and crocuses.
Because I applied myself last fall, I'm looking forward to my rewards.
Anything the squirrels and rabbits didn't get, that is.
Heat Record for March
Our region's warmest March temperature on record is 85F, and it occurred in 1910, 1929, and twice in 2012.
If the weather forecasts are accurate, this year is likely to break that record.