Too Warm, Too Soon? High Temperatures Bring Early Blossoms, Bugs, Critters and Sneezes

Unusually warm weather is rousing some critters, blossoms and bugs early from their slumber this winter, but wildlife and plant specialists, as well as orchardists, are worried about the consequences of a potential last minute cold snap.

According to Earth Networks senior meteorologist, James Aman, temperatures in Frederick County averaged about 5 degrees above normal from December through February.

Temperatures are about 8 degrees above normal so far this month and could reach 14 to 18 degrees above the average of 56 degrees for mid-March, Aman said. Of the past 118 winters, this was the ninth warmest.

"That's quite significant," he said.

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