Spring has sprung

For many the Spring season is their favorite time of the year and who can deny it as we pull out of the cold of winter and move into a more pleasant climate.

The first day of Spring actually started last night Tuesday, March 19 at 11:06 p.m. and we now will have a season that includes chirping birds, blooming flowers, budding trees and warmer temperatures.

The Spring season takes place when the vernal equinox occurs in March with the sun crossing an imaginary line in the atmosphere, known as the celestial equator, and moving from the south to the north.

When the March equinox occurs, both the Northern or Southern hemisphere receive the same amount of daylight due to neither hemisphere tilted to or away from the sun. Generally after the northern hemisphere has been going through the gloom of winter, springtime refers to a season of rejuvenation and regrowth where plants, animals, and humans have a new look on life.

When pecan trees show their leaves in Texas, it’s a sure sign spring is here and the freeze danger is over.

Signs of Spring:

Although the first official day of Spring started on March 19, we in South Central Texas have already started to experience the signs of Spring. First of all, there are less cold fronts approaching from the north, which means we have been having temperatures ranging in the 70’s and 80’s. However, when these fronts do approach, the weather conditions sometimes are right for violent thunderstorms to take place bringing heavy rains, damaging winds and possible hail. Also with daylight saving time taking place last week, we now have more daylight in the evenings. Another sign of Spring that has been noticeable is the birds singing as well as visiting bird feeders and bird baths.

Flowers have started to bloom and many are tending to their flower beds and planting their gardens. Lawn grasses have started to turn a lush green and the mowing of those lawns have increased. Of course, bluebonnets, the State flower of Texas, are popping out and coloring the fields with many more wildflowers starting to show as well. Many fragrant odors are beginning to be noticed from those flowers and especially the sweet smell of the redbud trees putting on their pretty purple flowers. Also, the scent of freshly cut grass can be detected as many begin to mow their lawns.

Another sign of Spring is people visiting local parks where it may be filled with the sound of children playing, and individuals taking in a walk or playing sports. One of the sure tell signs in Texas that winter is over and has been passed down by many generations is when the pecan trees start to show their leaves. This generally means the freeze danger is over. Another indication that Spring is happening comes from the blooming of the huisache tree that produces gold colored blooms. Of course there is another tale that has been passed down in regards to when it thunders in January, there is a possibility of cold weather in April. This past January, we did have thunder on several occasions, so we’ll have to see if that tale holds true.

No matter what, enjoy the Spring season, it is a wonderful time of the year.