March is usually a month of transition, as winter gradually gives way to spring. However, this year, the weather seems to have other plans. According to the latest forecasts, March will start with a chilly and snowy spell across many parts of the country, before warming up significantly in the second half of the month.
A Wintry Start to March
The first week of March is expected to bring below-average temperatures and above-average snowfall to many regions, especially in the North and Northwest. A series of low-pressure systems will move across the country, bringing cold air and moisture from the Arctic and the Pacific. Some of the snowstorms could be heavy and disruptive, affecting travel and daily activities.
According to the National Weather Service, some of the areas that could see significant snowfall in the first week of March are:
- Washington state, where up to a foot of snow is possible in the Cascades and the northern Rockies.
- Montana, where a winter storm warning is in effect for parts of the state, with up to 18 inches of snow and wind gusts up to 50 mph.
- Minnesota, where a winter weather advisory is in effect for the Twin Cities and surrounding areas, with 3 to 6 inches of snow and reduced visibility.
- New England, where a nor’easter could bring 6 to 12 inches of snow and strong winds to parts of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts.
A Spring-like Turnaround in the Second Half of March
While the first week of March will feel like an extension of winter, the second half of the month will bring a dramatic change in the weather pattern. A ridge of high pressure will build over the eastern two-thirds of the nation, allowing warmer and drier air to flow from the south and the west. This will result in above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation for most of the country, except for parts of the Northwest and northern Rockies, where cooler and wetter conditions will persist.
According to the Climate Prediction Center, the probability of warmer-than-normal temperatures in the second half of March is highest in the Southeast, where it exceeds 70%. The probability of drier-than-normal conditions is highest in the Southwest, where it exceeds 60%. Some of the areas that could see a notable warm-up in the second half of March are:
- The mid-Atlantic states, where temperatures could reach the 70s and 80s, well above the average highs in the 50s and 60s.
- The Ohio Valley, where temperatures could climb into the 60s and 70s, compared to the average highs in the 40s and 50s.
- The southern Plains, where temperatures could soar into the 80s and 90s, breaking some records for the month.
- The Southwest, where temperatures could approach or exceed 100 degrees, especially in Arizona and California.
What Does This Mean for the Spring Season?
The contrasting weather patterns in March could have some implications for the spring season, which officially begins on March 20. According to some experts, the warm and dry conditions in the second half of March could increase the risk of drought, wildfires, and allergies in some areas, especially in the Southwest and the Southeast . On the other hand, the cold and snowy conditions in the first half of March could delay the onset of spring blooms, such as cherry blossoms, tulips, and daffodils, in some areas, especially in the North and Northwest .
However, the weather in March is not necessarily indicative of the weather in the rest of the spring season. As the Climate Prediction Center notes, the outlook for April and May is still uncertain, and there could be some variations and fluctuations in the temperature and precipitation patterns across the country. Therefore, it is advisable to keep an eye on the latest forecasts and updates, and be prepared for any changes in the weather.
