When Does Spring Start? Warm Weather In Chicago Cause Plants To Sprout As Snowstorm Nears

Perennials have already started to sprout in Chicago thanks to the unusually warm February weather that has been gracing the Midwest since Friday. Some cities across the Midwest, including Chicago, and parts of the Northeast saw record-breaking warm temperatures as high as 70 degrees over the weekend, resulting in early budding of leaves on trees and sprouting plants. However, the premature greenery that has been popping up in some areas may soon be covered in snow after meteorologist warned of a snowstorm headed towards the region.

Despite the current spring-like weather, a snowstorm is expected to dump a fresh round of snow in the central Plains and up through the Midwest. Temperatures in the Midwest are slated to drop mid-week, with snowfall expected to start Friday, covering most of the areas surrounding the Great Lakes, The Weather Channel reported. Snow will reportedly begin to fall in mountain areas of the West then move towards the Plains by Wednesday.

The drastic change in temperatures could set the stage for severe weather in the Midwest, with temperatures dropping as low as 30 degrees by Friday, according to local weather reports in Chicago. Some areas of New England are expected to see sleet or freezing rain as of Friday night while the rest of the East coast should expect to see rain and potential thunderstorms.

Although inclement weather is on the horizon, the plant life that’s started springing up in certain areas may not necessarily be headed towards a cold, quick death. Chicago Botanic Garden Senior Director of Horticulture Tim Johnson told Chicago’s CBS affiliate that some flowers may die but most plants will survive the snow unless it gets extremely cold.

“You should get some crocus coming up. And it’s likely, you’ll see some daffodil foliage pushing up, too. If you pull the mulch back a bit you’d see some things growing underneath there, too,” he said. “I think it’s best to leave leaves and mulch in the garden so they’ll give some protection for the colder weather that’s coming yet.”

Although snow is headed to some cities, winter is winding down. Spring starts on March 20, so earlier blooming flowers and plants shouldn’t have to brave the cold much longer.