May will split favors for the East & West

Casual Living Staff -- Casual Living, 5/6/2011 7:59:40 AM

LAST YEAR BROUGHT THE THIRD-WARMEST MONTH OF MAY IN more than 18 years for the eastern half of the United States, while the West was nearly the coldest in 18- plus years. Conditions in the East were favorable for outdoor furnishings and related categories as the month progressed, and warm weather during the week prior to Memorial Day spurred demand. The West was not so lucky with much colder conditions and even record-setting, late-season snow in places like Salt Lake City.
     This month, pent-up demand from cooler weather in March and parts of April will set the stage for an exceptional period for outdoor living categories. In much of the East, that demand will begin with Mother's Day weekend and continue through much of the second week of May. Warm weather in the West toward the end of the month will benefit the outdoor living categories. Unfortunately, sales will be softer in the East for the week leading into the Memorial Day weekend as cooler and wetter weather dominate.

TEMPERATURE
	NATIONAL MAY TEMPERATURE INDEX
PRECIPITATION
	NATIONAL MAY PRECIPITATION INDEX