The climatologically coldest week of the year follows the shortest day of the year by about a month. This is the coldest week of the year. The coldest record lows ever recorded were in this week, including -25 in Cincinnati in 1977. We have already gained daylight in the weeks since the shortest day of the year. We have another 6 weeks of climatological winter. Climatological spring begins March 1 when the average day length equals mid-October and the average temperature equals December 1.
Beneficial rain…for some
Yesterday, CVG had record rainfall of 2.21 inches with over 6 inches for June. That’s a lot of rain. However, look at the distribution.
This map is a little vague but it will suffice to say that it was a very thin strip and many missed out. As of this morning I had 1.13 inches at Cheviot 0.9 SSE while Goshen reported 0.68 at midnight and Amelia reported no rain. It is very important to always remember that what matters is what fell in YOUR yard!
Winter burned plants
This spring we will see things we haven’t seen in a number of years. Temperatures dropped below zero multiple times this winter. Many plants in our landscapes are marginally hardy which means they may be killed back or burned in very cold winters. Expect die back on crepe myrtle, butterfly bush, some azaleas, and possible cherry laurel. Roots of these plants will be fine. Also, even hardy southern magnolia will have leaf burn. While leaves will look bad, new foliage should be fine. However, remember that southern magnolia doesn’t leaf out until after Memorial Day so be patient when they still look like the last rose of summer in late May. Many other plants, especially evergreens, may show leaf discoloration, including boxwood and holly.