Captain's Log: Frost & Freeze Hits the Southeast

Happy Monday! :)

In case you missed the fist full "worm" moon of Spring last night, it's still 99% full tonight. CLICK ON IMAGES FOR A LARGER VIEW.



Last Week (21-27 March) across the World showed the U.S. trending 1.0F warmer than last year, warmest in 9 years and 4th warmest in 36 years. A great week for Spring seasonal merchandise sales, especially in the Northeast where record temperatures were set. Rainfall was 12% wetter than last year, wettest in 9 years and 4th wettest in 36 years with another round of severe weather in the Southeast. Snowfall was 67% less than a year ago, least in 4 years and 4th least in 36 years.



Canada, India and especially the Middle East trended much warmer than a year ago, while most other areas trended cooler.

While March isn't in the history books just yet, month to date through the 28th is trending -0.7F cooler than last year but still 3.1F above average and 5th warmest in 36 years for the U.S. as a whole. Rainfall is down 10% vs last year but still 2% above average and 15th most in 36 years. Snowfall was the least in 11 years, 2nd least in 36 years trending 18% less than last year and 58% below average. We'll have the final numbers next week.



Snowfall season-t0-date across the U.S. is trending 6% more than last year but 8% below average and 15th least in 36 years. Despite a couple big blizzards in the coastal Northeast, the Northeast region overall also trended below average snowfall season to date at 39% more than last year but 15% below average. Feast of famine for snow lovers.



This week (29 Mar - 4 Apr) trends +0.7F warmer than last year and warmest in 4 years, 14th warmest in 36 years with above average temperatures. Rainfall is down 37% and driest in 36 years, 2nd driest in 36 years for the U.S. overall. Snowfall is down 70% vs LY, least in 8 years and 4th least in 36 years.



A hard frost and freeze event looks likely late in the week for the Southeast and Northeast which could damage vegetation and fruit trees already budding. Frost is possible by Friday all the way to the Pan Handle of Florida making the 2 April event the coldest in 34 years! By Easter Sunday temperatures will moderate with a much warmer and drier East than last year. Last year Easter Sunday was the #1 wettest and snowiest in 36 years and 14th coldest, this year #1 driest and least snow in 36 years with temperatures trending 9th warmest of the past 36 years. Should bring a decent lift in seasonal sales.



Next week (5-11 April) shows the warmth in the Central U.S. expanding East with the nation trending +0.3F warmer than last year, 7th warmest in 36 years for the U.S. overall. Rainfall looks to be up 32% but still 14th driest in 36 years with below average national rainfall. Snowfall the least in 36+ years!



For the World overall, the next two weeks show Europe getting a good taste of Spring with very warm conditions from India into China.

We hope you have a great week, and don't forget to follow us on social media for frequent updates: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Linkedin

- Captain Kirk out.