Near‑record spring heat
Local radio reports near‑record highs across PA/MD/WV and warm spring days that are shifting seasonal outdoor plans and gardening timelines. The same bulletin flagged community items like Franklin County data‑center debates and a Cumberland mountain fire update. (x.com)
Central and southern parts of the tri‑state area saw upper‑70s to around 80°F on April 1, 2026, with Harrisburg International Airport recording an official high of 78°F that day. (abc27.com) Hagerstown’s observing stations also reported highs near 78°F on early‑April days, and several inland stations hit low‑80s in late March (Hagerstown reached 84°F on March 22, 2026). (weather25.com) The early‑spring warmth followed a nationwide March heat wave that produced record or near‑record readings across dozens of cities and thousands of observing sites. (weather.com) Local planting calendars still show average last‑frost dates in the region around mid‑April to May 1, so extension offices warn that warm air alone doesn’t remove frost risk and soil‑temperature guidance remains the standard for timing. (extension.umd.edu) Franklin County commissioners released a proposed amendment for data‑center development on Feb. 18, 2026, drew nearly 20 public commenters at a recent hearing, and postponed a final vote while scheduling another public meeting for April 28, 2026. (franklincountypa.gov) The Michaux State Forest mountain fires last spring — the Thompson Hollow and Hammonds Rocks incidents — burned roughly 2,700 acres total, with Hammonds Rocks reported fully contained at about 470 acres and Thompson Hollow estimated near 2,248 acres and 80% contained during the April‑May 2025 response. (tristatealert.com) State officials said the Michaux fires were determined to be human‑caused, crews used aerial water drops and heavy resources during suppression, and Governor Josh Shapiro visited the burn area on May 2, 2025, as recovery and investigation continued. (witf.org)
