[upthesaukee]

From NBC 4 New York (WMUR mentioned this as well). Meteorological seasons make it easier to track weather related records vs the astronomical seasons that have been around for centuries, which are based on solstices and equinoxes.

Here is how the seasons are divided meteorologically:

Winter: December 1 to February 28 – the coldest three months of the year.
Spring: March 1 to May 31 – The steady three-month transition from cold to warm.
Summer: June 1 to August 31 – The warmest three months of the year.
Fall: The steady, three-month transition from warm to cold.
The definitions of meteorological seasons are simpler, more consistent, and define the calendar year more logically on the basis of temperature. Scientifically, meteorological seasons are useful for comparing weather year-to-year. Because the timing is the same each year, any comparisons are apples-to-apples, if you will.

As indicated by the above definitions, spring is a transitional period in New York. Temperatures ramp up consistently from start to finish. In fact, the transition is quite impressive. Average high temperatures at the beginning of the season are in the mid-40s. By the end of the season, we’re 30 degrees warmer, with highs averaging the mid 70s. For those of you growing weary of our cold winter weather, this is reason to celebrate!

Dave