First Day of Spring Feels Like Summer

If it seems like spring has sprung early this year, it has – the earliest since 1896.

The vernal equinox — the first day of spring – officially arrived in Berkley and Huntington Woods at 1:14 a.m. today, according to an msnbc.com report, bringing with it a forecast for temps in the low 80s today and 83 degrees Wednesday. Not your typical Michigan spring. Normally, temperatures reach only the upper 40s this time of year.

Why so early this year? The March equinox occurs the moment the sun crosses the celestial equator – the imaginary line in the sky above the Earth’s equator – from south to north. This happens either on March 19, 20 or 21 every year. And that varies from year to year.

In any case, Mike Warren, of Madison Heights, and Martha Dittle, of Berkley, were enjoying the sunshine and some ice cream at Jim's Frosty Treats today.

"How can you not enjoy the weather?" said Warren, who has been coming to Jim's since he was a student at Dondero—or "forever" as he put it—for what he refers to as the "best ice cream in town."

What will you do?

So, what will you do today to celebrate the first day of spring and this lovely weather? Play hooky? Eat lunch outside? Play golf? Take the kids to the park?

Share your flower and fun photos

If you take some photos, we hope you'll share them in our Neighborhood Gallery or on this story.