March’s Seasonal Transition

NOAA's Temperature Outlook for March

Following four consecutive days with high temperatures in the 60s coinciding with the start of meteorological spring, it shouldn’t come a surprise that the 2015-2016 winter was one of the warmest in recent memory in the Nation’s Capital.  That’s in large part due to Washington, D.C.’s warmest December on record.

“Meteorological spring” refers to the three-month period that runs from March 1 through May 31.  Average high temperatures warm significantly during the month of March in the Nation’s Capital ranging from 51 degrees on the 1^st to 61 degrees on the 31^st.  The hottest temperature on record during the month of March in Washington, D.C. is 93 degrees (March 23, 1907) while the coldest March temperature is 4 degrees (March 4, 1873).  Although March averages less snow than December, January or February, significant snow can occur in Washington, D.C.  In fact, Washingtonians have experienced above average snowfall during the last three March’s for the first time since the early 1940s.

According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, there is a 40% chance of a warmer than average March in the Mid-Atlantic Region.  That would go a long way toward precluding a fourth consecutive snowier than average March.  Nevertheless, this winter has already seen above average snowfall (with 21.9 inches vs. the seasonal average of 15.4 inches) making this the third consecutive snowier than average winter.  There haven’t been three consecutive snowier than average winters in the Nation’s Capital since the late 1970s.

Starting February 20, nine of the last twelve days have seen warmer than average temperatures – including seven days with high temperatures in the low to mid 60s.  That’s more characteristic of early April than late February.  Aside from being able to leave winter coats at home, area residents have had other tell-tale signs of spring-like temperatures.  For example, perennials have been appearing earlier. 

The National Park Service announced yesterday that they expect the world famous cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin to reach their peak bloom between March 31 and April 3.  That’s a little earlier than the average date of April 4.  My colleagues and I on the WUSA9 weather team will keep you apprised of the latest weather forecasts on-air, online and on the WUSA9 app free for your mobile devices.