Despite some remnants of the season's biggest snow storm from two weeks ago still lying around, spring and close to early-summer-like weather will come to the area this weekend.
The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts sunny skies today with high temperatures reaching the mid-60s. Sunday will be partly sunny and warmer. High temperatures are predicted to reach 73 degrees Sunday and Monday with a chance of rain to start the workweek.
Based on weather data from the cooperative weather station at the Aqua Pennsylvania water treatment plant in Bear Gap, Sunday will mark the first time the mercury has risen above the 70-degree mark in the area since Oct. 17, according to Tony Mach, meteorologic technician for the NWS office in State College.
Temperatures will be above average for this time of year. The average high is 60 degrees in Harrisburg according to the NWS website, with average lows of 40 degrees.
Warm at last
The welcome change in the weather comes just two weeks after a March 30 surprise snow storm left between 8 and 12 inches of snow across eastern Northumberland and southern Columbia counties.
The storm caused several traffic accidents, snapped trees and shut down power lines throughout the area. By April 2, temperatures climbed into the 50s, melting most of the snow.
While the old saying goes that "April showers bring May flowers," farmer Gary Truckenmiller, of Watsontown, a board member for the Northumberland County Conservation District, is thankful to see some sunshine coming the area's way.
"We are only about a week or so behind in the growing season, but the hay and the winter crops, like the wheat and barley are finally starting to grow. The pastures are starting to come back to life," Truckenmiller said.
The dairy farmer is not looking to grow his crops, but needs grass to feed his dairy cows.
"We need the heat to bring things out of winter dormancy, so the sun will give us a break so that we can get things started here," he said.