Sunshine as seen on March 30th 2014
Today was a outstandingly beautiful day here in South Central Iowa and across the entire state. Although strong southwest winds gusted 30 to 40MPH at times. It was these winds, and a passing warm front that gave us the gift of seeing out warmest day of the season so far. The entire area had warm temperatures that ranged from the upper 60s at Ames and Marshalltown to the Lower 70s across the Des Moines Metro, Pella and Knoxville. Everyone took advantage of the warmth and hit the trails and parks to enjoy plentiful sunshine and warm temperatures. Below is a list of highs seen across south central Iowa.
Highs Today
Des Moines International 72.F
Ankeny 72.F
Pella 72.F
Windsor Heights 72.F
Fairmount Park 71.F
Indianola 71.F
Knoxville 70.F
Pleasent Hill 70.F
Perry 70.F
Ames 69.F
Marshalltown 68.F
Tulips, Daffodils, Hyacinths March 30th 2014
Thursdays thunderstorms and rain and today’s warmth and sunshine has really sped up the green up process the last 3 days. Several early shrubs and trees have broken dormancy. The grass has begun to green up noticeably in sunny areas, and spring bulbs all across peoples yards have seemed to have popped out of no where and have flower buds ready to burst into bloom soon.
Silver Maple Blooms in front of the 801 Grand Building, Downtown Des Moines March 30th 2014
New plants in bloom this week are, Silver Maples and Elm species which are releasing a very nice light fragrance in the air. The blooms as pictured above on Silver Maple are small and hardly noticeable. Snowdrops are continuing from last few weeks, however Daffodils, Hyacinths and Grape Hyacinths have flower buds showing and are very close to blooming. Weeping Willow, Lilacs and Forsythia has also started to break buds. I have also seen trees in some yards which have sap seeping from pruned branches which is a sign that sap is going upward and is leaning towards breaking dormancy. With warm temperatures continuing I have much reason to believe, Daffodils and others will be soon joining Spring blooms very shortly. I will continue to have updates as more green up continues to happen.