Tuesday is the first day of spring and though it may not look or feel like it outside, there are some iconic signs that spring is here in Western New York. Some good signs and some not so good signs. We asked viewers what says spring to you. Here are the top 12 responses we received:
12. BBQing. As we leave the cold temperatures and snow behind us, a sure sign of spring in Western New York is outdoor activities; like getting your grill on and enjoying some grub outside.
11. Puddles. Following a season of 100+ inches of snow, and some still in the forecast, a sure sign of spring is when snow melts into puddles.
10. Baseball. The opening of Buffalo's Coca-Cola Field is the promise of warmer days to come, even if the first few games of the Bison's season are still a little chilly.
9. Ice cream stores reopen. For much of the country, WNY spring temperatures might still be too cold for frozen treats, but a sure sign that spring is here is ice cream shops scooping up sweets again.
8. Smell of flowers. Whether it is the Japanese Garden outside the Buffalo History Museum or the grounds just outside City Hall, we know it is spring when we can stop and smell the flowers.
7. Potholes. Fluctuating temperatures take a toll on WNY roads causing those dreaded divots. You would be hard pressed to find a Western New York driver who hasn't dodged a pothole to protect their car.
6. Birds singing. After a long winter, animals are just as eager as humans to get out of hibernation and to the outdoors. As trees become more hospitable, birds take up residence to chirp and sing.
5. Allergies. Spring inevitably brings budding flowers and growing grass and though pretty, it can have not so pretty responses in the human body. For many, spring means sneezing, runny noses and itchy eyes because of allergies.
4. Melting snow. Though some of the snow may hang on for a while longer, as temperatures go up, snow goes down and you can put those snow boots and shovel back in storage until next winter.
3. Sprouting plants. Whether its the acres and acres of Olmsted parks or your own back yard, you know it is spring when you begin to see life again in on the ground and in the trees.
2. Open windows. After several months of doing everything to keep the cold out and the heat in, we welcome spring with open doors and windows and enjoy the fresh air.
1. Warmer temperatures. Though warm for now might mean 30s and 40s, spring is officially here which means summer, in all its warmth, is right around the corner.