Spring has Sprung

The first day of spring arrives early this year on Tuesday, March 19. What can we expect weather-wise? Kyle Elliott, director of Millersville University’s Weather Information Center, says that while we can put away our snow shovels, we’ll likely need to keep our umbrellas handy.

“Snow shovels should not be needed this spring, and people should be able to safely retire their heavy coats and gloves by early April,” says Elliott. “However, due to the lingering effects of El Nino, precipitation should be above normal this spring with frequent bouts of showers and some heavier rainfall events.”

 Elliott says temperatures in both April and May are expected to be near to slightly above normal, but there is still a chance of an ‘onion snow’ during the last days of March. The number of ‘warm’ days should outweigh the number of ‘chilly’ ones through May.

According to Elliott, the excessive rain will cause farmland and cropland to remain abnormally wet and muddy. In addition, he says the flood risk could be elevated during any heavier rainfall event due to the already-saturated ground and high water levels on area streams and rivers. Severe weather may also become a concern across southeastern Pennsylvania later in April or May.

 For the latest forecasts, 7-day outlooks, special weather discussions and more, visit the Millersville Weather Information Center.