All of the attention for the past couple months has been on the unseasonably warm temperatures and for good reason. The state has now seen seven straight weeks of above normal temperatures.
After record warmth baked the eastern U.S. during the last full week of February, winter has tried to make a comeback during the first week of March. But daytime highs average in the low 50’s now and the sun angle is steadily increasing. The average low temperatures is in the upper 20’s. But as the month of March progresses, those averages will rise.
The problem we face this early spring season is the struggle between winter and spring. It is quite possible that this chaotic pattern of 25 to 35 degree temperature swings over two or three days repeats at least a few times during March. The temperature roller coaster is likely to not only have an effect on humans and their seasonal time clocks, but also on early-blooming trees and plants. In recent days, many spring flowers and ornamental trees have bloomed ahead of schedule. The additional surges of warmth in coming days will cause more buds to break and blossom ahead of average in the coming weeks. As waves of cold air and spells of warmth trade places, the blossoming will be slowed in some cases, but there will also be the risk of some fruit trees and perennial spring flowers being damaged. So far, my plum tree is in full bloom and has held up pretty well. But, for the most part, I think winter is over. There is always an outside chance that things could line up just right to produce some snow. But I just don’t see it happening. 
The other problem with these back and forth temperature swings is the growing threat for severe storms. We have already seen some severe storms and a tornado or two. But I think things will get worse with time. I do see the pattern becoming much more active for the last 10-15 days of March. This may be a very active period where the true battle of the seasons will take place once again. It looks to me like we will see increasing amounts of severe storms and tornado threats in April and May as the contrast grows between the colder air and the much warmer air that rapidly expands across the southern and eastern areas of the U.S. I expect an active severe weather season to likely kick into high gear over our region and many other areas during the second half of April.
It looks more and more like May might see several severe events and outbreaks. The severe weather potential in May could be extreme with tornadoes and high wind events in our region. As spring severe weather season gets 
going, night tornadoes are a great concern, especially in our region. Nocturnal tornadoes, as they are called, are like nightmares that have come to life. They strike under the cover of darkness and are often among the most deadly weather phenomenon. According to a study done by Northern Illinois University, the fatality rate from nocturnal tornadoes has actually increased in the past century, while the fatality rate from daytime tornadoes has decreased.
Researchers found that tornadoes during the overnight period are 2.5 times more likely to kill as those occurring during the daytime hours. Nocturnal tornadoes catch people when they are more vulnerable and not taking precautionary measures like they do when they're awake.
The key to any severe weather event is to plan ahead. Be sure you know your safe location ahead of time so you can get there quickly, even if you have to get there in the middle of the night. Keep flashlights handy. Have a NOAA weather radio as a way to get tornado warnings at night. You should also sign up for alerts for your cell phone. I really like the free texting alert you can get from WKDZ/WHVO. Just go to the home page and scroll down to find where to sign up. If you don’t have an emergency plan for you and your family, start now. Severe season is upon us. If you enjoy this blog, give the sponsors a call and let them know you appreciate them supporting this page. They are the ones in the banners above and below my photo. Feel free to comment on this post and be sure to hit the “Like” button at the end.
