March 2013 is still running more than a degree warmer than normal in Providence, but the odds of the month finishing with an average temperature that is warmer than normal weather are very low. When combined with a colder than normal February and end to January, Southern New England is in the midst of a solid stretch of more than two months with predominantly cold weather. Here are some numbers to help put this month and cold stretch in perspective.
Plenty of cold air to go around during the last two weeks of March. Consistently chilly weather likely in SNE. pic.twitter.com/lOOikiElnd
— Right Weather (@RightWeather) March 16, 2013
- There have only been two 50 degree days in Providence, RI this month. There were 22 days last March that were warmer than 50. There were six days last March warmer than 70!
- The normal high temperature reaches 50 degrees on March 22. It is possible that the high temperature will not reach 50 in Providence for the remainder of the month.
- There were more 50 degree days in Providence in January (5) than there will likely be in March.
- The average temperature for March (38.2° F as of March 15) may be colder than it was in December (38.4° F) in Providence.
- March has been colder than normal in Providence six times since 2001. It is likely that this month will be the coldest March since 2005.
Another way to look at it. Not too much hope for 50 degrees in the next 10-12 days. #RIwx #MAwx pic.twitter.com/s8sW40IAhU
— Right Weather (@RightWeather) March 16, 2013
There is little doubt that the spring is going to be a slow-starter in Southern New England. The good news, as first mentioned in the Spring Outlook for Right Weather Pro members, is that we are expecting a turnaround of the weather pattern from Mid-April through the end of spring.