I know your calendar may say that spring doesn't start until later in the month, but that calendar is based off the astronomical seasons of which the weather doesn't totally match. Officially, we are now in what is known as meteorological spring which better matches the weather. It marks the quarter of the year that separates what is normally the coldest three months of the year and the warmest three months.
Need proof that spring is beginning? Look to the sun. It is higher in the sky, out more, and is more efficient at melting snow even when the air temperature is below freezing. Also, our average high temperature is now 8 degrees higher than mid-winter and the month of March is the month that we see the steepest rise in average temperatures.
Here are more stats about the third month of the year.
-March is the fourth coldest month of the year.
-It is the fifth wettest month, which interestingly followed the driest month of the year. While increased temperature difference between air masses is the main reason behind this, the numbers are stacked a bit as March contains 3 more days in order to accumulate precipitation.
-March is the third snowiest month, and while it is warmer, it often brings more snow than December.
- We gain 1 hour and 9 minutes of daylight
Now for the numbers for March (based on Altoona):
Average highs: 42 - 54
Average lows: 25-34
Highest temperature: 83 degrees set on the 31st in 1998.
Lowest temperature: -4 set on the 9th in 1943.
Average precipitation: 3.85"
Wettest March: 9.5" in 1936
Average snowfall: 10"
Snowiest March: 33.5" set in 1958
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