Warmer Temps Return In IL As Meteorological Spring Begins

ILLINOIS — Spring is here, though it felt like the season for most of February. Meteorological spring begins on March 1 annually. 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.

Following an eventful week of weather in Illinois that included near record highs and then a severe storm that produced a drastic temperature drop, tornadoes and dangerous conditions, the weekend will warm back up.

According to the National Weather Service, Friday is a bit of a mixed bag with a chance of sprinkles, rain showers, and even snow showers south of Interstate 80. Temperatures will reach highs between 42 and 48 degrees.

Dry and warm weather is in the forecast for Saturday and Sunday. Highs will be around 60 Saturday and will reach the upper 60s to low 70s on Sunday.

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.

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.

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