Spring 2024 Outlook: Warm weather could continue

 

Winter 2023-2024 finished as the warmest winter in more than 90 years in South Bend.

Now, as the calendar turns to March (and meteorologists celebrate the start of spring), many are wondering if our warmer than average ways will persevere. 

The Climate Prediction Center has the upper Midwest, including Michiana, favored for a warmer than average spring.

Data Courtesy: CPC

 The start of the season looks particularly warm, with some moderation possible into April and May. Temperatures across Michiana typically warm about 30-35 degrees from the start of March through the end of May.

While the precipitation signal is slightly less clear, parts of Michiana are likely in for above normal rainfall this spring as well. 

Data Courtesy: CPC

Combining these two factors does not breed confidence in a lot of snow this spring. In fact, we could see a slightly more active storm season if temperatures stay warmer than normal. 

However, South Bend has experienced measurable snowfall during the spring season every year on record except one: 2010.

Snow looks unlikely for the first half of March across Michiana, at least. We'll see if Michiana can make history once again once May 31 rolls around.