We’re less than a month away from the start of spring on March 19 and less than two weeks away from changing our clocks once again (which I’m still not used to) for daylight saving time — and I could not be more ready for it. And besides, I think it’s about that time of year when people get restless for the next season.
This winter has felt more like spring, especially considering the historic warmth we’ve experienced this week, let alone for the entire season. On Tuesday, the U.S. National Weather Service reported that Traverse City and Alpena observed their first ever 70 degree day in the month of February and earliest occurrence of 70 degrees in a calendar year since reliable records began in 1897. The Michigan State Extension Weather Station in Northport also reported only 51 inches of snowfall so far this season, with most of that snow, a whole 29.5 inches, occurring in January. I’ve seen a lot of snow-filled winters in the last eight years that I’ve lived in Michigan, but I never thought I’d say that February, arguably one of the coldest winter months, was actually a hot one — the inside of my car was 75 degrees on Tuesday and I had to leave all the windows cracked open to feel like I had some air.
The abnormally warm weather patterns since December and record breaking high temperatures have disrupted winter recreational activities, but I think it’s also sending a clear message to make the best out of the day you have while appreciating the snow and cold when it is around.
Getting outside in the colder months, if you’re not the kind of person that enjoys winter recreation, can be difficult and just uncomfortable. But with these warmer days, I’ve been able to enjoy things like walks along the Tart Trail again without freezing. As much as I love cozying up with hot chocolate and hibernating from November through March, the spring-like temperatures make me want to be more productive in all ways — whether it’s with getting a head start on spring cleaning or brainstorming what flowers or vegetables I should plant for a small home garden.
Time is fleeting, much like the snow that’s here one day and gone the next. So while the temperatures will likely continue fluctuating and throwing off our sense and idea of “typical weather” patterns, I’m going to keep trying to find the silver linings in every season.
