South And Southeast Experiencing Possible Early Spring

Several sections of the South and Southeast are seeing their earliest spring on record this year as leaves are already budding on trees three weeks before they usually start to transition. Other parts of the South and Southeast are seeing their earliest spring in 40 years.

On Groundhog’s Day, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and predicted six more weeks of winter, but spring is already in full bloom across parts of the U.S..

Several sections of the South and Southeast are seeing their earliest spring on record this year as leaves are already budding on trees three weeks before they usually start to transition. Other parts of the South and Southeast are seeing their earliest spring in 40 years.

The National Phenology Network keeps track of the arrival of spring by tracking the bloom of two plant species usually among the first to leaf out each year and are common through the Nation.

Research Associate, Megan O’Connell, is with the Botanical Research Institute of Texas and explained that plants are sensitive and respond to temperature, humidity, and rain-fall that trigger clues the climate is giving them and they respond. She said spring is coming early more often and climbing to warm temperatures due to climate change.