Is Winter Over: NoVA, DC Spring Forecast 2019

WASHINGTON, DC — With a high temperature flirting with the 70-degree mark later this week, it's a good time to look ahead to what kind of spring northern Virginia faces: warm and dry or cool and blustery? The National Weather Service, Accuweather, the Weather Channel and both almanacs have all released their long-range forecasts for the next three months, and there is disagreement on whether winter will melt away after the middle of March.

Spring officially begins Wednesday, March 20. Washington, D.C., Virginia and the rest of the Mid-Atlantic region can expect temperatures to be warmer than normal through May, with above-normal chances for precipitation, according to the National Weather Service. The folks at Accuweather agree, saying that after mid-March the region should shake off winter snow and cold, giving hope to gardeners and weary drivers tired of slick roads.

"Once we get to the later parts of March and the beginning of April, we're expecting a faster transition to spring than last year," said AccuWeather Long-Range Meteorologist Max Vido. "By late April and May, snow worries will be replaced with warm swings and the threat for some severe weather."

Temperatures will be near-average or slightly warmer than normal for much of the East Coast in March, says the Weather Channel. Above-average warmth is expected across the region in April and May.

But, the 2019 Farmers' Almanac says spring will take its sweet time arriving, and calls for a chilly, rainy stretch through the rest of March and April.

The Old Farmers Almanac also calls for a cool spring. April and May will be cooler and drier than normal. The publication also says that summer 2019 will be cooler than normal.

Of course, while it's a relief to not have to bundle up or worry about slick roads when spring arrives, it also kicks off the growing season, and allergies. Tree pollen is the biggest cause of spring allergies, says Patient First, and more than 50 million allergic Americans should brace themselves for sneezes and watery eyes.

Allergic reactions occur when your immune system mistakes a usually harmless substance like pollen for something dangerous. Allergy symptoms often include: Nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy nose, itchy, watery eyes, and sneezing.

Here's a look at the seven-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. South wind around 7 mph.

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 68. South wind 7 to 13 mph.

Thursday Night: A chance of showers, mainly after 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind 10 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday: Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Cloudy, with a high near 69. Southwest wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a chance of showers between 8pm and 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 52.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 34.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 50.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.

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