Spring 2025: Winter Lingers in the North While the South Skips Straight to Summer

Spring is almost here, but depending on where you live, it might not feel like it for a while. AccuWeather’s Senior Meteorologist Paul Pastelok has released the Spring 2025 forecast, and it’s shaping up to be anything but predictable. While some states will stay stuck in winter’s grip well into March, others will heat up fast, skipping spring altogether and jumping straight into summer. And if that wasn’t enough, tornado season could be particularly nasty this year.

Whether you’re preparing for lingering cold, early heat, or severe storms, here’s what you need to know about the wild weather ahead.

Winter Isn’t Done Yet for the Northeast and Midwest

If you live in the Northeast, Great Lakes, or Midwest, don’t expect an early spring. Cold temperatures and even some late-season snow could stick around well into March, delaying the warm-up that so many people are craving.

“We’re looking at a slower transition to spring in these regions,” Pastelok explained. “That means people hoping for an early warm-up will have to be patient.”

This extended winter could make life difficult for gardeners, farmers, and anyone who’s just tired of wearing a winter coat. The delayed warm-up could also push back the start of the planting season, which could impact crops and landscaping projects across the northern U.S.

The South Will Skip Spring and Go Straight to Summer

While the North stays chilly, the South will be dealing with a very different problem—early summer heat.

Instead of a gradual warm-up, temperatures in Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and the Southeast will jump ahead by several weeks, making March feel more like May or June.

That might sound like a welcome change for those eager to ditch the winter coats, but meteorologists warn that this early heat could bring a more active storm season.

“When warm, humid air from the South clashes with lingering cold air from the North, you have the perfect recipe for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes,” Pastelok said.

Tornado Season Could Be Brutal This Year

One of the biggest takeaways from AccuWeather’s forecast is the heightened risk of a very active tornado season, especially in Tornado Alley and the Southeast.

“We’re expecting a storm season that could be similar to or even worse than last year’s,” Pastelok warned. “If you live in an area prone to tornadoes, now is the time to prepare.”

April and May are expected to bring several severe weather outbreaks, with damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes all on the table. Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and parts of the Deep South are expected to be at the highest risk.

Farmers Face a Mixed Bag This Spring

The dramatic temperature swings could be good news for some farmers and bad news for others.

• Northern farmers may have to delay planting due to the extended cold.
• Southern farmers could see an early growing season thanks to warmer-than-normal temperatures.
• Storm season could bring damaging winds and hail, which could harm crops and delay harvests.

If you rely on planting schedules, this will be a tricky spring, requiring careful monitoring of soil temperatures and frost risks.

What to Expect in Your Region

Here’s a quick look at what AccuWeather predicts for different parts of the country:

• Northeast & Great Lakes: Winter drags on. Expect lingering cold, late-season snow, and a slow warm-up.
• Midwest & Ohio Valley: Slow warm-up, stormy later. A chilly March could lead into a stormy April.
• Southern U.S.: Early heat wave, stormy spring. March could feel more like May, and tornado season could hit hard.
• Plains & Tornado Alley: Expect a stormy spring. Severe weather will ramp up in April and May, with multiple tornado outbreaks possible.
• West Coast: A mostly normal spring, but drier than usual. Drought concerns could increas