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?

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.

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.

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.