Are You Ready for Spring?

Signs of spring abound in early March!

Following several colder than average days, there is going to be a major shift in the weather pattern across the eastern United States.  In fact, the first 70-degree weather of 2016 is on tap for Washington, D.C. this week.  It’s fitting that meteorological spring just arrived.  Average temperatures increase markedly in March, as well as the amount of daylight that people enjoy in the Northern Hemisphere.

In typical March fashion, this month has already featured a lot of variability in the DC Metro Region’s weather.  Through March 2, Washingtonians enjoyed a twelve day-stretch in which nine days were warmer than average.  That warm stretch of weather was followed by a string of three consecutive days of colder than average temperatures.  For the fourth consecutive year, March has seen measureable snowfall in the Nation’s Capital when 0.3 inches was observed at National Airport this past week.

NOAA’s temperature outlook for March is for above average temperatures across much of the United States, so this month could be more like 2012 in the Nation’s Capital.  Some Washingtonians may recall that March 2012 had an average temperature 10 degrees warmer than average – and was the warmest March on record.  Such record warmth enabled the 2012 cherry blossoms to reach their peak bloom roughly two weeks earlier than average (on March 20).  The National Park Service expects them to reach peak bloom starting March 31 this year – near the April 4 average.  By comparison, they didn’t reach peak bloom until April 10 last year. 

A major shift in the weather pattern this week as the jet stream shifts north across the eastern United States will help the cherry blossoms move toward their spring splendor.  Washingtonians will enjoy the first 70-degree weather of 2016 starting Tuesday.  While cooler than average weather and a few isolated snowflakes can’t be ruled out the rest of the month, below freezing temperatures become less frequent as March wears on.  So Washingtonians should not hesitate to enjoy outdoor activities this week, including the National Cherry Blossom Festival which begins March 20.

Last 70 Degree Temperature at (Source: NOAA):

National Airport (Washington, D.C.’s official weather reporting site): 70 (December 27, 2015)
Dulles Airport, Sterling, Virginia: 70 (December 25, 2015)
Baltimore, MD (measured at BWI Airport): 71 (December 25, 2015)