Home & Garden

When is the First Day of Spring?

Goodbye, winter blues. Spring is around the corner. See McLean's April weather outlook and more.

Had enough of a lackluster winter?

Both Punxsutawney Phil and Potomac Phil predicted spring would come early this year, but with snow showers Monday morning across McLean, a lot of Northern Virginia residents are not impressed with our furry friends' predictions. 

Fortunately, the first day of spring is this Wednesday, March 20.

Find out what's happening in McLeanwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Wednesday marks the vernal equinox in the northern hemisphere. That means more daylight, warmer temperatures and the rebirth of flora and fauna, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

The word equinox is derived from the Latin words meaning “equal night,” according to the almanac. Days and nights are approximately equal, and the sun rises and sets due east and west.

Find out what's happening in McLeanwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

And no, those tales about egg-balancing and broom standing are not true

McLean Forecast and Spring Outlook 

 The National Weather Service's forecast Wednesday for McLean has us a bit chilly, at a high of 47 degrees and a nighttime low of 30 degrees. Temperatures are forecast to hover in the mid- to upper 40s for the rest of the week.

The Farmer's Almanac says April will be just slightly above normal for temperatures and slightly below normal for precipitation. 

In fact, this year's relatively mild-but-windy winter has the 2013 Cherry Blossom peak bloom dates earlier than last year. 

  • See: 2013 Cherry Blossom Peak and Festival Guide

Plants, Ice Cream and More!

In addition to the Cherry Blossom Festival in DC, March Madness and the NCAA tournament starts this week. 

Other signs of spring: Passover begins this coming Monday, March 25 . Easter is March 31. 

Good news for businesses, too: More light and warmer temperatures in the coming months will bring many people outdoors to shop and eat.

Gardeners may want to stop by Four Seasons of McLean at 1715 Birch Road to pick up flowers or other plants to brighten up the indoors or outdoors. Also check out MyFlorist at 1984 Chain Bridge Road, Flowers & Plants Etc, at 1378 Chain Bridge Road or Bouse Flowers at 1420 Chain Bridge Road.

If sweets are your thing, there’s Fruity Yogurt at 7953 Tysons Corner Center, Pinkberry at 7889 Tysons Corner Center, Sweetleaf at 1359 Chain Bridge Road and Yogen Früz at 1961 Chain Bridge Road.

Don’t forget that many local restaurants offer outdoor dining during the spring and summer, too!

Do you have a favorite? Let us know your favorite spot for outdoor dining in McLean in the comments below!


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