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

RHODE ISLAND — 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 Rhode Island?

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 Rhode Island, the Farmers’ Almanac is predicting mild temperatures and a typical amount of rain, so expect your typical April showers — and also plenty of rain in late March.

From March 20 to 27, the Farmers' Almanac is predicting lots of rain showers before the weather becomes fair at the end of the month.

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.”

People living in the nation’s midsection should prepare for an active spring. In the Great Lakes states, that’s likely to mean more snow into April. 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: Winter Isn’t Done Yet: AccuWeather Spring Forecast