Snowy, wet start will lead to warm finale as March ushers in spring

Weather

Jack Grum -- Casual Living, 3/1/2010 12:00:00 AM

Last March, dismal consumer confidence and the Easter calendar shift outweighed the favorable weather and lower gasoline costs. March 2009 temperatures trended warmer than the previous year for the nation as a whole. The first week of the month was exceptionally warm, with 673 record high temperatures set across the country. This was a great opportunity for early spring merchandise, but only those items that consumers had an immediate use for. Snowfall last March was less than 2008 and normal, also exceptional for early spring categories.

This month follows a February that brought record-breaking snowstorms across the nation. Snow was reported in all 50 states, with blizzards in the Mid-Atlantic area.

March 2010 will bring an increased threat for heavy snowfall across interior New England and the eastern Midwest. Fortunately, most of the chilly weather and snow will be confined to the first half of the month with the final two weeks of the month leading up to Easter turning much warmer.

Pent-up demand from a chilly and wet start to the month, followed by an exceptionally warm final week (which also happens to be the week prior to Easter) should make for exceptionally strong spring category demand.

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