» RELATED: Dayton snowfall matches lowest in 15 years
Potential for early, long severe weather season: Temperatures are running five degrees above normal so far this month and are expected to climb into the 60s this weekend. The above-normal warming could trigger earlier severe weather. Some severe storms have already impacted the region.
» RELATED: Unusual weather pattern could send temps soaring even higher
» RELATED: Warm winter could trigger early start to severe weather season
Pollen detected early: The Regional Air Pollution Control Agency (RAPCA) told Storm Center 7 meteorologists that tree pollen was detected as early as late January this year and noted pollen levels had increased over the last several days.
Plants vulnerable to late freeze, early pests: Such a prolonged period of warmth would likely kick off an early growing season but leave plants vulnerable to a hard freeze if winter reappears.
When winter is mild, pathogens that would have otherwise been killed or suppressed by the cold temperatures survive and get an early start infecting crops, according to Ohio State University researchers Brian Hodge and Pierce Paul.
About the Author