Spring has Sprung.... into Summer? If you were lucky on Monday or even today, you were doing the above....

Remember this? It wasn't that long ago.... It's officially time to put away your shovels, and laugh at the person in this picture. Don't laugh too hard though... it could be you in 9 months.

Spring in New England.... In my opinion, our most volatile season. Sure, winter has blizzards, summer has the thunderstorms, and autumn has those cold snaps that leave frost on the pumpkin, but Spring takes the cake. Last week at this time we were recovering from a major Nor'easter, a historical flooding event in Lowell, and we were seeing rain mixed with snow at times with temperatures in the upper 30s and lower 40s.

Yesterday saw temperatures topping out around 87-88 in our area, blazing sun, gusty SW winds, and Fire Danger warnings. We were also about 45 degrees warmer than last week! Boston hit a new record high of 86, breaking the record of 85 set all the way back in 1905. No slow transitions here...we went from winter to summer without any imbetween. Monday was definitely a beach day....except for those of us sitting in hot, sweaty, non-air conditioned classrooms, where it was more of a "sauna day," sans towel and relaxation.....

A cool front slipped through early this morning, and our highs today maxed out around 72. Cool by yesterday's standards, but still above average. Don't get too spoiled.

The remainder of the week will see a slow decline back to reality. Temeratures should rise into the mid-60s for your Wednesday and Thursday with partly cloudy conditions, and by Friday the weather looks to be mostly cloudy with the chance of a shower, and highs only in the mid to upper 50s. I know, I know. Like I said, spring is pretty volatile here in New England.

Weather Headlines

This week, April 23-27, is severe weather safety awareness week in southern New England. Read up about tornado safety here:

http://www.erh.noaa.gov/box/productDisplay.php?product=BOSPNSBOX&version=0

We've already talked a little about tornadoes, and next time we can examine the structure of these storms. I've already gotten some positive feedback from you readers.... Thank you, and keep it coming!

In WUML 91.5 FM "Campus Buzz" news, we will be airing LIVE from SPRING CARNIVAL this Friday at 11am on the Umass Lowell South Campus. Feel free to stop by, say hi, or just watch us broadcasting live. I will also be at the American Meteorological Society (AMS) booth, so feel free to visit one, or both.

Until next time, this is Umass Lowell Student Meteorologist John Webster.