Warmer, drier weather bodes well for may

Casual Living Staff -- Casual Living, 5/1/2012 2:00:00 AM

Last year brought the nation's third coldest May in 20 years along with its fourth wettest conditions for the month in two decades. Temperatures turned milder during the week of Mother's Day and around Memorial Day in the East, but cooler weather during the rest of the month was a negative for outdoor living categories. Very wet weather led to major flooding from Montana to Louisiana, also a negative for outdoor categories. Meanwhile, parts of Texas and Oklahoma were experiencing an intense drought.
     Temperatures this May will be warmer than last year and precipitation will be lower west of the Mississippi River. Warmer and drier weather promises to be very favorable for the outdoor living categories as consumers will be able to spend more time outdoors. The Northeast will be cooler than last year with areas near the Canadian border cooler than normal; elsewhere it should be closer to normal. The first week of May and the period around Mother's Day will be the most favorable times of the month.