Rejoice, Richmonders — spring is here, and with that, the promise of warmer days, blossoming landscapes, and yes (takes deep sigh) pollen. The River City has ranked as the fourth worst city for allergy sufferers due to its high spring pollen rates, sales of allergy medication + availability of certified allergists.

We think the weather is an underrated conversation topic, so we peeked at some of the major weather trends headed our way over the next few months.

The cherry blossoms have come out at Byrd Park. | Photo by @therictoday

Here’s what you can expect this spring in the River City and beyond, based on predictions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center.

🌨️ Precipitation

Keep your umbrella nearby. There’s a 40-50% chance that rain will trend above normal through June. Usually, Central Virginia averages 3.1 inches of rain in April, 3.7 inches in May, and 3.7 inches in June.

In less than an hour, a downpour can turn into a flash flood. Dr. Jeremy Hoffman of the Science Museum of VA told NBC12 that our rainiest events have increased 30% in the last century. That means more rain in less time, much like September’s citywide flooding when a storm brought 3 inches of rain in an hour. Hoffman urges caution as we head into the rainy season.

🌡️ Temperature

Think warm. Expect to see warmer-than-normal temperatures across much of the United States, including here in the Mid-Atlantic region. In Richmond, there’s a 40-50% chance of temps being hotter than usual. Usually, our city averages highs of 58° in April, 67° in May, and 74° in June.

Need some ideas to get outside + celebrate spring?

Garden Club of Virginia’s Daffodil Day | Tues., March 29 | 2 p.m. | Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens | This year’s theme is “The British are Coming!” 🌼

Our events calendar + updated farmers market guide have even more outdoorsy opportunities for the spring chicken in all of us. 🐣