When Will It Feel Like Spring In Illinois: Farmers’ Almanac Outlook

ILLINOIS — Meteorological spring started Wednesday, and the first official day of spring isn’t until the vernal equinox on March 20. But when will it start to feel like spring in Illinois?

It may be a good idea to hold off on spring garden cleanup and let fallen leaves protect ornamental plants a little longer in many areas of the country, according to the Farmers’ Almanac long-range spring weather forecast.

In Illinois, the Farmers’ Almanac is predicting a "cool, very stormy" spring. In the Great Lakes, "snow will continue to be mentioned in early April," according to the Farmers' Almanac.

The first day of spring is likely to feel more like winter in much of the country. The exceptions are in far western states Washington, Oregon, Idaho and the Southwest, and the Northeast. Temperatures are expected to be mild in both regions of the country.

Almost everyone else should be prepared to “shiver and shovel,” according to the forecast for a “soggy, shivery spring ahead.” In the heartland, frequent heavy-to-severe thunderstorms are predicted.

Southeast states are likely in for a wet March in a weather pattern that will spread north and west from April through June.

• Related: 'Still Some Winter Left': New Spring Forecast Looks Snowy For IL