Spring in Central Texas?
Winter Temperatures
January made no big announcement with its arrival in 2011. The winter weather has been typical. Evenings have been cold and days cool. Winter in Central Texas is usually short in duration and can fluctuate from year to year. The usual deep freeze did not arrive between Christmas and New Year celebrations this year, but chose to wait until the end of January to make its appearance. With daily temperatures in the twenties for several days in February, Texans were miserable.
Changes in Temperatures
The cold weather has gradually warmed, rising several degrees each day. Valentine's Day was almost balmy with temperatures in the high 60's during the day. Our bones began to defrost with the warm sun rays and outdoor activities resumed. Winter coats currently hang in closets and some have even braved a pair of shorts.
Could it be Spring? The temperatures were in the seventies yesterday. We enjoyed some cloudy weather in the morning with warm sunshine in the afternoon. The forecast includes a small chance of showers for the next seven days with milder temperatures. We definitely need the rain.
Has Spring Arrived?
There is a contagious sense of hope of Spring's arrival in the air. After living in Central Texas for thirty plus years, I know better than to expect Spring at such an early date. Yes, we live in the South and it's hot down here in the Summer, but Spring in February won't happen.
Let me give you an example of why Spring is still in our future. In 1995, February had a heat wave. It was extremely warm with temperatures well into the nineties. After several warm days, temperatures changed drastically and dropped below freezing with the arrival of another Artic Blast. We pulled out the coats and continued with our winter.
March can come in like a lion or go out with cold temperatures. It tends to be a month of fickle weather, changing from year to year. Expect the unexpected!
Winter Is Not Over
Central Texas is still in winter. Nothing has bloomed yet. The landscape is still brown, reflecting the results of a deep freeze in the area just a week ago. Don't store the winter coats yet. The weather across the nation has been unusual this year and last. The North has been in a deep freeze for months. When will the next blast of cold air come our way? I am keeping my eyes on the local weather report and will stay in a wait and see mode for now!
