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Beyond the Lion and the Lamb: Let’s talk about March folklore

March is a month of transition bringing a mixed bag of weather

courtesy pixabay.com

Orlando – Have you ever heard that saying about March? You know, the one that goes, “March roars in like a lion, out like a lamb”? Well, for those who’ve experienced harsh winters, it usually rings true.

March is a month of transition, a time when anything can happen weather-wise. Up north, you might still get hit with a late-season snowstorm, or you could be pleasantly surprised by spring-like warmth. Down here in Florida, even those few chilly days feel more like a gentle breeze compared to the winter up north.

But did you know there’s more to this saying than just weather patterns? According to the Farmer’s Almanac, there’s some fascinating history behind it.

Let’s take a trip back to March 1888. They called it the “Great White Hurricane,” and it was a beast of a blizzard. Over 400 people lost their lives, with 200 of those in New York City alone. Snow piled up to 50 feet high along the East Coast. Can you imagine?

March 11-14, 1888: It's been called the "Great White Hurricane," and for good reason. This blizzard caused more than 400 deaths, 200 in New York City alone, and blanketed much of the East Coast with snow that drifted up to 50 feet high.

Now, here’s where things get interesting. Back then, many folks believed that spirits could influence the weather. Yes, you heard that right. Bad spirits were thought to bring misery and adverse weather. So, people went to great lengths to keep those spirits at bay.

In Russia, the Mordvins would set out pots of porridge for the Frost Man to protect their crops. And during the medieval era, thunderstorms were believed to be evil spirits, so they’d ring church bells to scare them away. Talk about creative solutions!

Fast forward to today, and we’re still talking about March weather.

In Central Florida, March 2023 started and ended on a warm note, with record highs and warm lows all over the place.

March 2023 Summary via NWS (NWS)

And this March? Well, it’s been warmer than usual, with temperatures in the low 80s so far.

But what about that lion and lamb business? Nowadays, it’s more about finding balance in life. We hope that if March comes in with a bang – storms and bitter cold – by the time April rolls around, things will have settled down, like a lamb.

courtesy pixabay.com

For Florida, March often feels like a glimpse of real spring, just like up north. Sure, we get those cold fronts and occasional severe weather, but rain isn’t as frequent. And come April, it’s like a breath of fresh air. The fronts tend to weaken, the rain eases up – it’s the driest month of the dry season which typically begins in October.

So, whether you’re facing down a blizzard or enjoying a sunny day in Florida, just remember: March may start like a lion, but it sure ends like a lamb.


About the Author
Samara Cokinos headshot

Emmy Award Winning Meteorologist Samara Cokinos joined the News 6 team in September 2017. In her free time, she loves running and being outside.