Local parks were busy places Sunday after three straight weekends of freezing rain, snow or bitter cold.
People, pets and paper plates were a common site, and at some, such as Gainesville’s Wilshire Trails, parking was a premium at times.
People of all ages were strolling through the park, some walking their dogs, kids were playing in the creek or on the playground, some groups were having picnics, and there was an occasional soccer game or is that match?
At any rate, the warm, sunny weather was hard to pass up for many on the first day of meteorological Spring (March 1-May 31) which is observed by meteorologists and climatologists. Of course, for most of us, the first day of Spring won’t arrive until later this month.
How long will it last. Here’s what the weather service has to say:
Monday
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56. East wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday Night
Cloudy, with a low around 46. East wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62. East wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 49. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday
Partly sunny, with a high near 73.
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56.
Thursday
A slight chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 76. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Thursday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 58.
Friday
A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.
Friday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 60.
Saturday
A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 77.
Saturday Night
Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday
Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. Chance of precipitation is 60%.