You probably could have guessed it, but Austin just experienced its warmest winter on record. More than one out of every four days hit the 80 degree mark and our average temperature was a full degree higher than the previously warmest winter on record (1999 – 2000).

Of course, this warm winter alone isn’t proof of climate change. But, as our State Climatologist John Nielsen-Gammon said to the Austin American-Statesman, this winter is in keeping with a long-term trend of warming throughout Texas since the 1970s.

This warm winter (which on the meteorological calendar technically ended on February 28th) also means that wildflowers are already starting to bloom throughout the Austin area. According to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, wildflower season, “may come early this year and be spread out over several months rather than a rush during March and April.” The warm weather, combined with plenty of rain throughout the fall and winter seasons will likely mean an early and beautiful wildflower display. The only thing to look out for are late freezes, which could damage some wildflower varieties that have bloomed unusually early because of the warm weather. More info>>