Spring is here, but it doesn’t quite feel like it. The past week, the temperatures in Northeastern Ohio have remained in the low 40s and sometimes even 30s, with lots of cold rain. The first spring day was Monday, March 20, so when will we see warm weather again? For starters, we are starting to see longer days with the beginning of daylight savings time on March 12. Although we lost an hour of sleep that night, we now begin three minutes of sunshine each day as we get closer to summer! That means having an extra 21 minutes of light each week to appreciate, which I think is something to look forward to. So even though it doesn’t feel like spring, try to see the early signs of spring changing around us, such as leaves returning to trees, fresh blooming flowers, and no more snow!

As the new season approaches, there are many fun things you can do to get your mind off school and have some fun, especially with spring break approaching. For starters, the annual Geauga County Maple Festival will be held April 27-30 and offers many family-fun activities. It’s a fun way to learn how maple syrup is made and offers many taste-testing opportunities. Many of the Cleveland Metroparks are coming into full bloom and are accessible to everyone! For example, at Brookside Reservation, more than 100 Yoshino cherry trees burst into bloom, usually in late April/early May, which creates a beautiful “Blossom Lane” you can stroll down. Some other parks with stunning views you can visit for free include Bedford Reservation, Rocky River Reservation, North Chagrin Reservation, Brecksville Reservation, and many more! A few more popular places to see during the spring season are the Holden Arboretum and the Cleveland Botanical Garden. These gardens are open year-round, but spring is one of the best times to visit as the outdoor garden spaces are alive once more.

Even though we should be excited for the spring warmth and longer days, ensure you are prepared for a few more weeks of winter chill. Farmers’ Almanac 2023 states temperatures will be significantly slower to warm this year. They predict a “soggy, shivery spring,” but that doesn’t mean the weather won’t be improving at all! The weather forecast shows that for the next week and a half, the weather should remain in the mid-50s, which is still perfect for outdoor adventures. Focus on the ample sunshine as the days grow longer to push through the last few months of school and use the significant shift in weather!