Spring May Come Early In RI As El Niño Falls Apart: Forecast

RHODE ISLAND — Most of the United States, including Rhode Island, is expected to see an unusually warm spring, according to a new forecast.

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.

Here’s the outlook for Rhode Island:

March:

The north-south split in temperatures from this winter is likely to continue, with warmer than average temperatures in Rhode Island the first month of meteorological spring.

April:

Temperatures are likely to remain above average in Rhode Island and the rest of New England.

May:

Another warmer than average month is expected in Rhode Island. The warmest spot is likely to be the upper Midwest to northern New England.

The only areas of the country that aren’t expected to see earlier than normal warmth are areas of the Southeast. In the northern tier of states, spring is expected to be especially warm, while other areas of the country are expected to see above-normal or slightly above-normal temperatures,

A rapidly deteriorating El Niño climate pattern could mean a busier hurricane season and more active severe weather seasons or parts of the central U.S., Todd Crawford, vice president of meteorology at Atmospheric G2, said in a story for The Weather Channel.

“Given the expected rapid transition from El Niño to La Niña, and the increasing global warming trend, it has become difficult to forecast anything but anomalous warmth as we head towards summer,” he said.

Less scientifically, Punxsutawney Phil didn’t see his shadow on Groundhog Day, Feb. 2. According to lore, that meant winter would continue another six weeks, or until about March 15.

• Related: Did Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil See His Shadow?