NYC's First Warm Spring Weekend
New York City experienced its first warm weekend of spring with temperatures rising into the 60s, drawing crowds to parks, shops, and bars after the winter chill. The warm weather offered a much-needed respite and had New Yorkers rushing to embrace spring activities across the city.
This past weekend's warmth was a significant departure from the winter New Yorkers have endured. The city's average temperature this winter has been 31.9 degrees, which is about 4 to 4.5 degrees colder than average. Adding to the chill, this season has seen 43.4 inches of snowfall, a full 20 inches more than the typical amount. The jump into the 60s provided a much-needed boost to local businesses that rely on foot traffic. For instance, Little Grand, a brunch and cocktail bar in Williamsburg, welcomed a noticeable influx of customers eager to enjoy the pleasant weather. This surge in activity comes after a difficult winter for many small businesses that saw a drop in revenue due to the cold and snow. While many flocked to parks and outdoor spaces, the official start of spring is still over a week away, arriving on March 20th. The famed cherry blossoms, a hallmark of spring in the city, are anticipated to reach their peak bloom in the coming weeks as temperatures continue to gradually rise. The pleasant weather is expected to be brief, with temperatures predicted to remain in the mid-60s for a few more days before cooling down. This fluctuation is typical for a New York City spring, which is known for its unpredictable shifts between warm and cold air masses.