March provides early indicators
of spring weather         

Warmer, drier April could follow cool, dry March

[APRIL 12, 2005]  CHAMPAIGN -- Farmers and gardeners may find ample opportunity to work the dirt in the coming weeks, based on early weather trends analyzed by Jim Angel, state climatologist. The drier conditions come in contrast to an extremely wet start to 2005.

"We generally experienced relatively little precipitation in March," said Angel, climatologist with the Illinois State Water Survey, a division of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. "We had the 16th-driest March since 1895, but soil moisture is near normal, thanks to a wet winter and cool March temperatures."

He reported that the average temperature in March was 38.9 degrees, which is 2.2 degrees below normal. March precipitation was 1.58 inches, 49 percent of normal.

"Research from the Illinois State Water Survey and elsewhere indicates that the most recent 10-year period is a good indicator of upcoming weather conditions," he said. "Since 1995, those data show a pattern of April becoming warmer and drier over time. Warm, dry April temperatures have allowed earlier and faster planting by farmers and gardeners alike. "

Of great interest to those farmers and gardeners with planting plans is the predicted final freeze of the season. In the northern planting region, the last freezing temperatures occur April 28 on average. In central Illinois, the last freeze usually occurs between April 14 and 21. In southern Illinois, the last freeze is usually around April 7.

"Of course, these are averages," Angel said. "A good rule of thumb, if you're planting tender annuals, is to add about two weeks to those dates. Putting those tender plants in the ground when there's minimal risk of frost reduces the cost of planting, even if you have to wait a few days longer for garden-fresh produce.

Climatologists did record a wide range of temperatures during the month of March. The low was zero at McHenry Lock and Dam, in northeastern Illinois, on March 30. The highest recorded temperature was 80 degrees in Bloomington on March 31.

Grayville had the largest one-day precipitation total, with 2.02 inches on March 28. Grand Chain Dam had the highest monthly total, at 3.96 inches of precipitation.

[Illinois Department of Natural Resources news release]