March 31 – Springtime Snow!

March is a season of transition in the Northland, often bringing winter scenes that remind you not to plant your garden just yet. Heavy snow blankets Chester Creek in Duluth here, even as spring runoff rushes beneath it.

Late March snowstorms occur because winter still lingers in the atmosphere, even after spring officially begins. Cold Arctic air can collide with warmer, moisture-rich air moving north, strengthening storm systems and producing heavy, wet snow. Lake Superior, near its annual coldest point, helps keep shoreline temperatures low and can enhance snowfall. March truly becomes a battleground month when winter and spring clash — and powerful storms often result.

Though the snow may be short-lived, its life-giving water is a welcome provision for the coming seasons.

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater…” — Isaiah 55:10

Sometimes the temporary difficulties of life become unexpected blessings. With a shovel in hand, give thanks for another beautiful day to be alive.