Spring has sprung

Ayden Bracken smiles as he plays on the slide at City Lake Park in Russellville.

After enduring a February filled with school closings and snow days and the first week of March, which brought ice to the area, Franklin County residents were happy to see warmer weather finally arrive.

March 20 marked the first day of Spring, but rain and cooler temperatures in the area made for a lackluster arrival for season.

Monday’s temperatures reached into the 70s for much of the county and were coupled with clear skies. But by the end of the week the area is scheduled to see rain and temperatures to drop back into the 50s for highs.

Tracy Kearns of Russellville was at City Lake Park with her daughter and grandson on Monday enjoying the weather.

“I’m tired of the cold weather,” Kearns said. “I enjoy being able to get outside and come to the park and watch my grandson play.”

Her grandson, Ayden, 6, said he was a fan of both spring and winter weather.

“I like both,” he said. “I liked throwing snowballs and watching people build the snowman. But I like the warm weather because I can go outside and draw with chalk and play baseball in the yard. I’m really looking forward to swimming and playing outside.”

February’s average temperature was 35 degrees, according to the Farmer’s Almanac. And March started off by dropping nearly an inch of ice in some places in the county.

Logan Bevis, 8, and his dad spent Monday at City Lake Park fishing during Logan’s week off from school.

“He’s off school this week so we thought we’d come out here and enjoy this good weather,” he said.

Long-range forecasts predict rain on Thursday and temperatures dipping back down into the 30s at night over the weekend. Local garden expert, Sam Warf, suggested keeping outdoor plants in moveable pots and planters for anyone planning a garden this year. He said to expect at least one more push of cold weather before spring and summer arrive.