The only thing certain in life is change. That statement has no truer meaning when applied to the recent weather. Snow, rain, wind and sunshine all happened within a 24-hour period this past weekend. Sunday’s weather was especially fickle. Passing snow squalls made it look like winter and then the sun would come out and the coating of snow would melt. March was said to come in like a lion and out like a lamb or vice versa. This year the lion and lamb were leapfrogging all over the place.
February closed out on a rather high note with 60 degrees on Leap Day. However, that was nothing compared to the 72 and 73-degree days on March 4 and 5 respectively.
According to National Weather Service data, the normal high temperature for March is 40.9 degrees. However, I did notice a small discrepancy in the data dates between the monthly and the daily totals on the weather service sites. So I was a little concerned about accuracy.
The National Weather Service Office in Pittsburgh weighed in on the warmer temperatures on its Facebook page earlier this month.
“We are forecasting a high on Monday of 72°F for Pittsburgh; the record high on March 4th is 74°F. For perspective, that'll have the area feeling more like Tucson, Arizona at this time of the year. Locally, that's Pittsburgh's normal high in mid-May. “
According to National Weather Service data, the normal high temperature for March is 40.9 degrees. However, I did notice a small discrepancy in the data dates between the monthly and the daily totals on the weather service sites. So I was a little concerned about accuracy.
The National Weather Service Office in Pittsburgh weighed in on the warmer temperatures on its Facebook page earlier this month.
“We are forecasting a high on Monday of 72°F for Pittsburgh; the record high on March 4th is 74°F. For perspective, that'll have the area feeling more like Tucson, Arizona at this time of the year. Locally, that's Pittsburgh's normal high in mid-May. “
Sunday’s weather was a different story all together.
Originally some of the forecasts called for snow showers and breezy conditions. Later the adjective was changed to blustery. In my humble opinion that was a far more accurate description. Breezy conditions don’t kick up snow devils. I’m pretty sure I got windburn from Sunday’s walk in the woods despite the fact I had my face covered.
“Intense snow bands this morning created significant drops in the temperature in five minutes! For example, in Mercer County this morning along I-80, the road surface was 36°F....at 8:05am it was 30°F and was coated. Please use caution when traveling today. … at 10:25am the road temperature in Evans City, PA (Butler County) dropped from 42.1°F to 34.7°F in the last 20 minutes,” the office posted on Facebook on Sunday.
Originally some of the forecasts called for snow showers and breezy conditions. Later the adjective was changed to blustery. In my humble opinion that was a far more accurate description. Breezy conditions don’t kick up snow devils. I’m pretty sure I got windburn from Sunday’s walk in the woods despite the fact I had my face covered.
“Intense snow bands this morning created significant drops in the temperature in five minutes! For example, in Mercer County this morning along I-80, the road surface was 36°F....at 8:05am it was 30°F and was coated. Please use caution when traveling today. … at 10:25am the road temperature in Evans City, PA (Butler County) dropped from 42.1°F to 34.7°F in the last 20 minutes,” the office posted on Facebook on Sunday.
As for the rain, according to one weather service site Franklin receives .85 inches of rain on March 6. I was a little confused by the numbers for March 9 and 10. They were listed as .40 inches for March 9 and .55 for Sunday, March 10.
Meanwhile, there was a change coming for the weather. Forecasts called for sunnier skies, a high near 60 on Tuesday with sprinkles later in the week.
Nonetheless, there were signs that spring was approaching. However, getting photos of those signs greatly eluded me this past week.
I heard robins clamoring every evening and had seen them while driving. However, none seemed to appear close enough for a photo opportunity.
Meanwhile, there was a change coming for the weather. Forecasts called for sunnier skies, a high near 60 on Tuesday with sprinkles later in the week.
Nonetheless, there were signs that spring was approaching. However, getting photos of those signs greatly eluded me this past week.
I heard robins clamoring every evening and had seen them while driving. However, none seemed to appear close enough for a photo opportunity.
Some Facebook folks reported hearing peep frogs during the warm spell. I didn’t hear any in my recent vicinity, but there were some calling in the early morning when I arrived to work in Sandycreek Township.
I have seen a few frogs out, mostly wood frogs. In fact, before Sunday’s snow they were clucking very loudly at the neighbor’s pond. When we approached, the area became silent and no frogs could be seen. I did find some wood frog eggs in a vernal pool.
I have seen a few frogs out, mostly wood frogs. In fact, before Sunday’s snow they were clucking very loudly at the neighbor’s pond. When we approached, the area became silent and no frogs could be seen. I did find some wood frog eggs in a vernal pool.
In addition to the frogs, there were some waterfowl. A pair of Canada geese, who didn’t enjoy our company and a wood duck couple who also left post haste.
More and more skunk cabbage blooms sprouted forth. Most of them donned a maroon hue.
Back in the yard, some crocuses joined the already blooming snowflakes and snow drops. The crocuses opened to greet the warmer weather but closed up tightly against Sunday’s snow.
The daffodils and tulips made appearances above ground as well.
The daffodils were budding, but folks shouldn’t get excited.
Weather lore says it must snow three times on daffodils in bloom before it is truly spring.
The tulips were just leaves.
The flowers take until late spring to burst into color.
The daffodils were budding, but folks shouldn’t get excited.
Weather lore says it must snow three times on daffodils in bloom before it is truly spring.
The tulips were just leaves.
The flowers take until late spring to burst into color.
I discovered some emerging catnip leaves in the garden. I delivered the goods inside to a few frisky felines and some shenanigans ensued. Interventions may be needed.
There were subtle signs that the region is getting closer to spring. However, we will need to be like the crocuses … opening up in the warmth but preparing to close up tight against the cold when it returns. That’s just the nature of things ‘round here.
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