Spring-like temps in NYC: What to expect as weather warms up this week

NEW YORK CITY - It sure feels like springtime in New York City. 

While we’re quickly approaching the start of meteorological spring, forecasters are tracking a major pattern change that is ushering in warmer temperatures this week for much of the U.S., including the Big Apple.

Timeline:

Above-average temperatures have developed across the East Coast, with many locations warming to about 10 degrees higher than average – which is quite the difference from last week when high temperatures were running well below average.

• Tuesday: A 30% chance of showers after 3 p.m. Increasing clouds, with a high near 55.
• Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 53.
• Thursday: A 50% chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56.

• Friday: Sunny, with a high near 46.
• Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 53.

When is the first day of spring?

What they're saying:

Spring officially begins in the Northern Hemisphere at 5:01 a.m. ET on Thursday, March 20.

According to the Farmers' Alamac, we typically celebrate the first day of spring on March 21.

Why does the first day of spring always change?

Dig deeper:

According to the Farmers' Alamac, there are a few reasons why the first day of spring can vary:

1. A year doesn't consist of a whole number of days, and the seasons follow the same pattern.
2. Leap year days can factor in.
3. Earth’s elliptical orbit is changing its orientation (skew).