Spring’s Arrival: Warmer Weather Ahead for the Northeast

PORTLAND, Maine — As meteorological spring kicks off on Saturday, March 1, forecasters predict a significant warming trend for much of the Northeast following a bitterly cold winter.

Meteorological spring, defined by three transitional months from winter to summer, runs from March 1 through May 31. This year’s astronomical spring will begin with the vernal equinox on March 20, at 5:01 a.m. According to AccuWeather long-range experts, temperatures could soar above historical averages across 18 states.

Paul Pastelok, AccuWeather’s lead long-range expert, stated, “Spring is a season of change, and it will feel like a temperature roller coaster for millions of people this year.” In particular, warmer-than-normal conditions are expected for states such as Arizona, New Mexico, and western Texas, which may see temperatures rise by more than 4 degrees Fahrenheit above their historical averages.

The average temperature in Portland during the spring of 2024 was 46.0 degrees, marking it as the fifth warmest since records began in November 1940. The warmest recorded was in 2010 with an average near 50 degrees. Comparatively, the normal temperature for this period is 44.5 degrees.

Precipitation trends are less predictable, with the forecast indicating an equal chance of either wetter or drier conditions in Maine this spring. While 2024 was the 15th wettest spring recorded at almost 16 inches of precipitation, the historical norm is set at 12.16 inches since 1871.

Pastelok also warned of potential severe weather this spring, particularly in the Mississippi and Tennessee Valleys. “Cities like Chicago, St. Louis, and Memphis are all places to watch for severe thunderstorms, which could generate tornadoes,” he said.

In stark contrast, areas along the Gulf Coast and Southeast, including Florida, are anticipated to avoid severe weather threats this season.

The seasonal weather patterns are influenced by a weak La Niña phenomenon, which can lead to colder and stormier conditions in the northern states while warmer weather dominates in the south. Pastelok explained, “Even if La Niña ends during the spring, it can still have an impact on atmospheric conditions.”

Historically, springtime temperatures in the contiguous United States have risen approximately 2 degrees Fahrenheit since 1910. This year’s higher temperatures align with longer-term trends showing significant warming in areas like Arizona and New Mexico, where averages have increased by 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit per decade.

Brett Anderson, a senior meteorologist and climate expert at AccuWeather, noted a decline in both spring river flooding and precipitation in parts of the Southwest, reflecting ongoing climate shifts.

As Maine looks ahead to the near end of winter, the last day of the season is only four weeks away, and early forecasts hint at a warmer and drier journey into spring for residents.

For more updates, residents can follow local meteorological sources as they provide real-time forecasts and weather alerts to navigate the changing season.