As February rolls around in Michigan, the season doesn’t necessarily change from winter. The monthly temperatures remain low and frosty, and residents still bundle up if they plan to venture outside. But if you pay attention, small changes indicate the start of spring. On sunny days, more sunlight will begin to blanket neighborhoods with its warmth; this is a reminder that warmer months are coming soon.
Days may also be windier than usual, and clear blue skies more prevalent—signs of changing seasons as we move away from winter weather systems and toward springtime ones. Indeed, while February is usually associated with cold temperatures and snow, it’s wise to stay alert and look out for subtle signs that indicate that warmer weather is just around the corner!
It’s no surprise that we get hints of spring when the days get longer. The increased daylight hours provide us with more Vitamin D, which helps improve our moods. The extra light also allows trees and plants to photosynthesize more efficiently and encourages them to produce more blossoms and leaves than usual. All these effects of extra sunshine make us feel like spring is in the air! Additionally, warmer temperatures allow us to enjoy outdoor activities easily, making them even more enjoyable for those looking forward to spending more time outdoors. So when you’re feeling antsy for springtime, remember that all the pleasant feelings you experience are thanks to those additional sweet hours of sunlight!
The sun’s position in the sky dramatically impacts the heat we expect during certain months. On December 21st, the sun was close to its lowest point, standing at 24 degrees from the horizon – and already making a difference to how early it gets light outside! However, as of February 1st, it is already 30 degrees above the horizon. By the end of this month, it will have risen even higher to 39 degrees! That extra bit makes all the difference regarding heating capacity in our homes and gardens, so look forward to warmer days!
As the season transitions toward spring, we often notice a little warmth from the sun. It is particularly evident in late February when the sun’s rays become more direct. The pavement and roads warm up quickly, and snow on the ground begins to melt. Even if you’re sitting in your car, you can feel the early signs of warmer weather penetrating through the glass as soon as those rays beam down on your face. This sensation is reassuring for many who have been waiting for its arrival for weeks or months.
As the days get longer each month, the sunrise gets earlier, and the sunset gets later. On February 1st, Lansing experienced a morning at 7:50 a.m. and an evening at 5:52 p.m., representing an additional hour and twelve minutes of daylight compared to earlier in the month. Over time, this extra daylight causes warmer temperatures; by the end of February, Grand Rapids’ average high moves from 30 degrees to 35 degrees Fahrenheit – nearly five degrees of warming! On sunny days, those temperatures can reach 40 degrees or higher – perfect weather for outdoor activities and enjoying nature!
As the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, February typically brings the excited anticipation of spring. Invariably, there is a sudden temperature spike around this time of year over a few days. This spike offers us a short respite from the winter chill. This year, however, we are set to break records as temperatures across the country look far more mild than usual for this part of February. This uncharacteristically warm weather will start bringing out those much-missed signs of spring early for everyone. We can all enjoy these indications that solace is coming soon in March!
