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

NEW JERSEY — High temperatures in New Jersey soared over 50 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday, the first day of meteorological spring, and the warm and wet weather has continued into this 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 into early March saw overcast skies and rain over the weekend, with daytime temperatures in the mid-50s and overnight temperatures in the 40s. This week has a soaking series of storms stretching over three days.

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 at the season ahead suggests New Jersey will see less precipitation than usual in the third month of the year. The Old Farmer’s Almanac says it expects an early start to spring along the East Coast —most areas along the Atlantic, except for Florida, are expected to see above-average temperatures in March.

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