Just when the balmy embrace of spring seems to have settled in for good, Dogwood Winter makes its presence known, serving as a stark reminder that winter still holds a firm grip in some corners. This intriguing term is coined to describe a fleeting yet intense cold spell experienced in the midst of spring, typically coinciding with the blooming period of the dogwood trees. These abrupt dips in temperature are observed in various regions of the United States, particularly in the South and Midwest, where the transition from winter to summer can be tumultuous and unpredictable.
The moniker derives from the dogwood tree, a delightful flowering tree renowned for its dainty white or pink blossoms. Given that dogwoods typically burst into bloom in April or May, any sudden plunge in mercury around this time is commonly referred to as Dogwood Winter. Farmers and gardeners have long recognized this frosty interlude, as it can pose a threat to newly planted crops and delicate vegetation.
Through the annals of time, Dogwood Winter (along with its companions such as Blackberry Winter and Redbud Winter) has served as a valuable indicator for determining the opportune moment to commence planting without the looming specter of frost. Many horticulturists opt to wait until these chilly episodes have run their course before setting tender plants into the soil. Seasoned gardeners place great faith in these weather phenomena, choosing to bide their time until the final vestiges of spring’s cold snaps have dissipated before commencing their planting endeavors.
Therefore, if you find yourself relishing a sun-kissed spring day only to be caught off guard by the sudden need for a jacket, chances are you are experiencing the whims of Dogwood Winter! Jennifer Gray, a seasoned weather and climate writer for weather.com, brings her expertise and passion to unraveling some of the most significant weather and climate narratives worldwide over the past two decades.
