TRR photo by Scott Rando
These trees glow white from the deposit of hoar frost they received from the steam formed by the relatively warmer river water (low 30s) being exposed to single-digit air temperatures. (Click for larger version)

In like a lion, out like a lamb: the changeable weather of March

It seems like everyone was getting ready for spring during the last part of February, as mild weather melted a lot of snow on the ground and made large portions of the Delaware River ice free.

During the first few days of March, however, it was a different story: three to five inches of snow fell into the area, and temperatures fell into the single digits. It felt much colder, with winds over 30 mph right after the storm. No doubt about it, we can get some interesting weather in March. The blizzard of March 13 to 14, 1993 was very memorable, with about 30 inches of snow in the area.

If the old saying is true, “in like a lion-out like a lamb,” then we should be looking at a mild end of the month, with the first daffodils popping up soon after. Mild weather is in the forecast. In the meantime, enjoy some winter scenery scenes from the 5th of March along the river.

TRR photo by Scott Rando
This bald eagle uses an ice shelf as a dinner table to dine on a carp. A great variety of animals can be spotted on ice shelves, and the ice makes them easy to spot. (Click for larger version)

TRR photo by Scott Rando
Icy stalactites form on this rock face on the Pennsylvania shore. This ice was probably running water during the thaw, which then re-froze with the cold temperatures. (Click for larger version)