March is a month of uncertainty, marking the transition from winter to spring. The weather can be unpredictable, with temperatures swinging wildly from day to day. One day, temperatures might reach the 70s, and the next, it could drop back down to the 40s! Clear, sunny skies can quickly turn into thunderstorms, or even snow, leaving us unsure of what to expect. 

In South Bend, temperatures fluctuate throughout March. On March 21, 2012, we saw a record high of 85°F, making it the warmest March Day ever in the city. This abnormally warm high also occurred back in the 80s! In contrast, the coldest March Day occurred on March 8, 1943, when the temperature dropped to a chilling -13°F. Just this past week, we’ve experienced a rollercoaster of temperatures, with slow climbs followed by sudden drops. 

Though March marks the start of spring, snow is still a regular visitor. While snow totals are often minimal and don’t stick due to above-freezing temperatures, that’s not always the case. For instance, on March 9, 1998, South Bend received a hefty 12.2 inches of snow in a single day! Windy days are also common, especially with thunderstorms. Recently, we’ve seen wind gusts over 40 mph because of storms, but they were nothing compared to the 83 mph gusts recorded on March 12, 2014. That day also brought 4.5 inches of snow. The high winds and snow were caused by a snowstorm that even produced thundersnow! 

March weather is madness, and over the next week, we're expecting a mix of rain, possible snow, and below-freezing temperatures. As we approach the end of the month, we are expecting quieter weather and warmer temperatures.