A ‘feel’ of spring in the air this week

While March will probably not “roar in like a lion” this year, the first few days of the month will give Chicagoans a “feel” that spring 2006 is on it’s way. Climatology records tell us that Feb. 28 is the average date of the first occurring 60° or higher temperature in Chicago, and it might not be far off the mark this time around as the highs on Wednesday (March 1) may possibly reach the 60s at least in southern sections of the metro area. Showers and possibly even thunderstorms will probably accompany the warmer air Friday and Saturday. The passage of a strong cold front should mark a sudden change to colder next Sunday. Below normal readings will then hold over the Great Lakes well into the following week before the next storm system brings another spring-like surge of warm air and thunderstorms.
California is bracing for a tough week ahead with winter storm warnings issued for heavy snow in higher elevations while flood-producing rains are anticipated.