April forecast shows another mild month

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - Now that April is here, we can look back at how truly unusual the month of March really was.

In March alone, eight high-temperature records were tied or broken, with some days reaching the 70s and 80s.

"It was very unusual, but it was good. It was my birthday month so it was 80 degrees on my birthday for once," said Kim Perla of Springfield.

High temperatures were, on average, 11 degrees warmer than normal. And because the weather was so unusual, some residents got to enjoy outdoor activities that they wouldn't normally this time of year.

"I spent a lot of time at the Quabbin, which I sort of don't get out that way a lot, but as soon as it got nice I wanted to be out, you know, like [in the] woods and beautiful water...yeah it's been gorgeous," said Ken Molnar of South Hadley.

Although the weather was mild, it was dry. We had a third of the rainfall compared to a typical March. Our dry weather did keep our rivers low and away from flooding, but we do need the rain. The current forecast shows near normal rainfall for April, however the needed above average rain stays west of Massachusetts according to the Climate Prediction Center’s monthly forecast.

"I know we need more rain and that part is the downside. But on the other hand it's like...I can get out there and play and go biking and running," said Terry Race of Pelham.

While rainfall should be close to normal, if you liked the temperatures in March, April should be another warmer than normal month for the eastern half of the country according to the CPC’s forecast.