Warmer May beckons

Weather May 2009

Jack Grum -- Casual Living, 5/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

For the nation as a whole, this month will trend warmer than May 2008, which brought the coldest temperatures in six years and the wettest conditions in four years.

The drop in May temperatures last year marked the third greatest change toward colder weather in 114 years. The month’s most favorable period was the week of Mother’s Day when the West experienced record heat. Unfortunately for retail sales of warm weather categories, Mother’s Day was the second coldest in more than 16 years for the nation as a whole, and the week of Memorial Day was the fourth coldest in more than 16 years.

The Midwest region can expect to benefit from the biggest improvement in temperatures year over year, while Western states will face challenges with cooler and wetter weather for a majority of the month.

Warmer conditions across most of the nation this month will result in more consumers heading outdoors, which will be favorable for sales within outdoor living categories such as grills, pool accessories and outdoor furnishings.

Weather Trends International
Jack Grum, vice president
610-807-3586
jgrum@wxtrends.com
www.wxtrends.com