Meteorological sizzle in astronomical spring. Spring? 97 degrees? Really???

Here is the forecast, as of this writing, for the period June 13-16, 2022, the last full week of spring according to the astronomically based calendar. People often snicker when I make a big deal out of meteorological summer vs. astronomical summer.

Arbor Doctor, meteorologists and climatologists define seasons differently from “regular” or astronomical spring, summer, fall, and winter. So, why do meteorological and astronomical seasons begin and end at different times? Climatologically, the period July 14-21, the mid-point of meteorological summer, is the hottest week of the year and the period January 14-21, the mid-point of meteorological winter, is the coldest week of the year over much of the continental US including the Ohio valley.

Phenologically, we have now near 1,000 growing degree days in southern Ohio and summer insects and plants are out in full force. A forecast of mid to upper 90’s is hardly a springtime forecast.

Happy summer, and stay cool!