Posted 9 AM Thursday - Dave Longley - Spring officially arrived at 1:48 this morning, when the sun crossed the earth's equator, heading into the Northern Hemisphere.  Obviously it isn't very Spring feeling outside, with brisk winds and temps in the 30s.  The way things are shaping up, it looks as though temperatures will remain well below normal right through the Easter Weekend.

I'm sensing from some of you, if you're like me, you're wondering where Spring is?  The Chiefs open up their season 2 weeks from today, and they could very well be playing in parkas! 

If you've been reading both Jim and my blog entries, you're well aware of the Spring outlook for below normal temps for March and April, especially March.  We're definitely feeling that!  You've also read of the NAO/AO going negative for a time, leading to more blocking in the western Atlantic, and a higher likelihood of colder than normal weather here in the Northeastern US.  That's working out too.  Yes, it's frustrating, but it's still only March.  Here's how I find my solace.

We know that warmth is building all across the southern US.  We also know, that at least from Syracuse southward, there really isn't much, if any snow to melt.  All we need is a south wind to bring warmth our way, and I think that we'll see more of that in the next couple weeks.  It won't be like a giant switch that will be flipped.  But our instances of seeing 40s and even 50s will increase, while our days in the 20s and 30s will decrease.  We see this cold block of weather breaking down across the Northeastern US after this weekend, and that will allow the latitudinal position of the jet stream shift north, increasing our chances of seeing warmth.  With the storm track shifting north, our chances for south winds goes up, and I see that happening as early as next week.  I bet we get a couple of days in 50s, especially late next week.

Hang in there troops.  We'll be mowing and golfing and fishing soon.  For the skiers, you'll be able to get in a few more runs this Easter Weekend, something you can't do when Easter falls in April.

-Dave