February vs. March weather, by the numbers (April fooled?)

Let's hope April can be as nice as February.

Relatively speaking, weatherwise, that is.

It was ever-so-slightly warmer in February than March, with not as much precipitation, be it rainfall or snow. Both months set a few records, but, frankly, we like the February ones.

Here are some particulars:

Average high temperature:

February: 47.7 degrees.

March: 47.2 degrees.

Days at or above average high temperatures:

February: 24 of 28.

March: 12 of 31.

Rainfall:

February: 1.52 inches.

March: 3.99 inches.

Snowfall:

February: Trace.

March: 7.8 inches.

Noteworthy:

Feb. 18-22: Longest streak - five - of plus-60-degree days in February.

March 24: Record high - 82 degrees. (Imagine how chilly March would have been without this boost.)

March 30: Most rain in a single March day since 1948.

February days with bad stuff:

Fog: 13

Thunder: 3

Smoke/haze: 6

March days with bad stuff:

Fog: 18

Thunder: 6

Ice: 1

Blowing snow: 8

Good news: No days with ice, hail, freezing rain or dust/sandstorms were reported in either month.

The two months do have something in common, though: Both were exceptionally cloudy.

February: 24 of 28 days partly cloudy or cloudy.

March: 29 of 31 days.

So, does that portend a better-than-average April? We're supposed to see the sun today, but average to lower-than-normal temps and numerous days with rain are in next week's forecast. There's even a hint of - gasp - snow on Friday, April 7.

Sources: National Weather Service, accuweather.com, WGNtv.com