Meteorological Spring Begins: How El Niño Could Impact Temps In FL

FLORIDA — High temperatures in Tampa Bay topped 80 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday, the first day of meteorological spring, and will continue in the low to mid-80s for the week.

Astronomical seasons change with equinoxes and solstices, determined by Earth’s tilt and the sun’s alignment over the equator. On that calendar, the vernal equinox on Tuesday, March 19, marks the official first day of spring.

Meteorological observing and forecasting led to the creation of the meteorological seasons, which are broken into four three-month blocks based on the actual temperature cycle and calendar. The meteorological seasons more closely reflect actual conditions than do astronomical seasons, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Centers for Environmental Education.

A recent forecast from The Weather Channel and Atmospheric G2 said spring will arrive early in most of the United States as an El Niño climate pattern falls apart after many areas saw a record-mild winter.

The National Weather Service forecast for Sunday and into the first full week of March calls for highs in the low 80s each day. There is a 30 percent chance of spring showers Sunday, dropping to a 20 percent chance on Monday. Wednesday brings the strongest chance of rain at 50 percent and a high of 80 degrees.

Generally, meteorological spring in the Northern Hemisphere is thought of as a three-month transition season from winter to summer that occurs in March, April and May.

Meteorological fall — September, October and November — is also thought of as a time of transition, from summer to winter. Meteorological summer starts June 1 and continues through August, and meteorological winter starts Dec. 1 and continues through February of the following year.

A look ahead at the spring forecast suggests Florida is expected to see an unusually warm spring. Although the vernal equinox on March 19 is typically observed as the first day of spring, meteorological spring starts on March 1. After a record-mild winter so far in many parts of the country, spring should arrive early, according to the forecast from The Weather Channel and Atmospheric G2.

The outlook for Florida calls for a cooler, slow start to spring, followed by an active start to the Atlantic hurricane season. Expect below average temperatures for the Sunshine State in March. Snowbirds lingering in Florida or spring breakers coming for sun may have to deal with temperatures closer to what they would expect at home this year, according to The Weather Channel.

Related: Early Spring Unlikely In FL While El Niño Falls Apart: Forecast