What happened to spring?
After the lingering cold and snow of April, Mother Nature decided to skip the rest of spring and get right down to the business of summer. May has been more summer-like rather than spring with temperatures frequently in the mid- and upper-80s instead of the low 70s, which is the average for May. Just this past week, we saw the following high temperatures:
May 24 鈥� 83
May 25 鈥� 87
May 26 鈥� 85
May 27 鈥� 84
May 28 鈥� 87
May 29 鈥� 87
We also reached 88 degrees on May 15. While temperatures of 80 or better are not all that unusual for May, what is unusual is the fact that every day in May has seen temperatures above normal, and for the month, we are running 8.5 degrees above our average.
Considering the fact that April was 6 degrees below normal, the change is stunning.
Some bank thermometers have seen temperatures at ninety or better. I did get a kick out of the TV weather prophets calling the recent warm days a scorcher and the temperatures and humidity brutal.
These folks need to get a grip as the warm weather was welcomed by most folks as it gave them an opportunity to open their pools, get the boat in the water or start the garden planting. Lots of picnics and outdoor activities to go with the warm days, and for the most part, the rains held off to allow for the fun.
May like the preceding months is again on the damp side, and for the year so far, rainfall is between 5 and 7 inches above average depending on your location. The last few days have also seen the arrival of thousands of the annoying little black flying insects called gnats. They are like mosquitoes. They do not buzz or bite but they love to hover around your face and head especially if you are outside working in the garden, cutting grass or just taking a walk. If there is a bit of wind, they do not seem to be as bothersome.
As we move into June, temperature should be more normal at least for the first week or so, averaging 76 degrees for the high and 56 for the morning low. This is a bit cooler than we have been experiencing. Rainfall should get back to normal as the wet period subsides after the passage of tropical storm Alberto.
Enjoy summer or the rest of spring.