[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by 68vette

Not to discourage you, but the past several winters have been mild. This year was worse than last year, but no where near normal winter for Vermont. We have been upgraded statewide with our climate zones, so winters may not be as harsh as they were 10+ years ago. I will not complain about that. If winter only lasted 4-5 months I would be happy.

USDA plant hardiness zones are tricky to pin down for local areas depending on location, elevation, landuse, etc. The zones have shifted north, but I question the criteria they use to measure. It is often based on the absolute lowest temperature that is expected to occur during the course of the year. This past winter season featured quite a bit more variability across the US with some areas actually seeing below average temperatures. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan still has several feet of snow on the ground, a completely different trend from the past several years. This Summer weather pattern looks to be cooler than average for much of New England based on what I'm seeing at the moment.

[68vette]

Originally Posted by GraniteStater

USDA plant hardiness zones are tricky to pin down for local areas depending on location, elevation, landuse, etc. The zones have shifted north, but I question the criteria they use to measure. It is often based on the absolute lowest temperature that is expected to occur during the course of the year. This past winter season featured quite a bit more variability across the US with some areas actually seeing below average temperatures. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan still has several feet of snow on the ground, a completely different trend from the past several years. This Summer weather pattern looks to be cooler than average for much of New England based on what I'm seeing at the moment.

The USDA does not change the zones on a whim. They base it on years of research and then make the change. Our climate in Vermont is much more mild than it was 10-15 years ago. In Central Vermont I can remember when it snowed late September to mid October most years. We haven't seen that in close to 10 years. My older kids were always bundled up in the warmest Halloween costumes we could find. My 3 year old complained he was too hot this past year. Even if this year and next were cooler than expected, these patterns happen. Back in the 30's and 40's and sometimes earlier, they had years that were warmer or cooler than average. This was without the atmospheric CO2 issues we now have. The CO2 curve has been climbing exponentially, much faster now than in the 1960s; despite some attempts to slow down emissions, the quantity of gas added to the atmosphere is doubling every 30-35 years. I believe it was an EPA or one of the NOAA environmental studies recently done that proved all of this, along with the temperature charts to make it clear to see. The plants I have in my gardens would have never survived here 15 years ago. We have Japanese Maples that are growing like weeds. The variety we have would never have survived below zone 5. The seedlings were pulled from my mothers yard in Southern CT and directly planted in my yard in Colchester.

[cloven]

Today hit 70 degrees (first time this year, I believe), according to bank clock display in town (Brattleboro).
Actually felt "clammy" (muggy) in the car, however the wind (once out & walking around) minimized that sensation.

[Cambium]

Hope you guys are liking Spring.

Current temps April 24, 2013 5:20pmEST. 70s to Vermont. 60s in CT. Check out Long Island. 40s!

It does feel chilly here with the winds....but good. How cold is that Atlantic Ocean. #

[cnahstoll]

It was beautiful today in Burlington. Nicest day of the young Spring by far.

[square peg]

I walked past a pond on Sunday and heard peepers. I don't know just why, but I always think I'm in an old sci-fi flick when I hear them. Today was grand. Many windows open for the 1st time this year. I was outside working in shorts without a shirt. Swatted my 1st mosquito this evening. Light rain falling tonight which will green things up around here.

[tkln]

Heard peepers last night here too, which I was really surprised by...it was straight up hot yesterday, even at our elevation. We got poured on last night and now it's cooled off considerably. But love the peepers sound.

[68vette]

It doesn't take long for the bugs to come out as well. I drove south on 89 last evening and my windshield was plastered with bugs.

[Cambium]

Even though I was complaining about the heat today (mid 60s), Spring is a time I dont regret being down here after seeing Vermont in the 70s lately.

Enjoy it guys. I think we remain status quo for another couple weeks.

Current temps April 28, 2013 5:20pm

[square peg]

Status quo is just fine as far as the house I'm working on goes, but the ground is drying out and brush fires are becoming a concern. I really do enjoy the weather this time of year without the humidity. Another week and I'll be squeegeeing bugs off the windshield for certain. Had the wood stove going last night - not tonight, though.