Warm, Murky Spring So Far

I've had a few folks who have commented about the lack of 90's so far (and I have as well) and in some cases, have commented on the lack of typical Spring weather.   Believe it or not, we've been above average on monthly temperatures since February.   Obviously, the weather hasn't been that nice out but we have managed a few things that have favored warmer weather this Spring.

1) When we've been warm, it's been quite warm above average -- four straight days of 80 and above high temperatures in April, a spike into the mid 70's for a day in March have done wonders to average temperature departures despite the occasional cold snap.  Our average high temperatures this Spring (62.8 degrees) are more above average (2.6 degrees) than our average nighttime lows (1.5 degrees).   Those warm days...and warm early mornings that have provided as an extra "warm day" in a warm shot have helped provide a bit of added insurance to make up for the occasional cold day.

2) The chill has been short but potent.   Yeah, it snowed on April Fool's Day.  Yes, it was cold and rainy at various times in April and even into early May.   However, those cold days were predominately in late March and early April -- and generally only a few degrees below average on each of the days (40's and low 50's for highs, 30's for lows compared to average temperatures in the upper 50's and low 40's for high/low respectively).   April had a few cold days but they were short snaps in duration, with May generally mild (although cloudy and rainy for the most part).

Compared to last year,  we are a couple of degrees cooler in average temperature (56.2 in 2010 versus 53.7 this year) but believe it or not, we had yet to see a 90 degree reading to this point last year.  The first of those 55 90 degree days occurred on Memorial Day last year...and it's possible Philadelphia could hit 90 this year before the end of May, with Friday possibly ending up as that lucky day for our first 90 degree reading of the year.   The good news is we probably won't have 55 more days in the 90's before year's end -- the bad news for those who hate heat is that we'll have more than one in all likelihood.