Approaching my eleventh year as a Nevadan, the weather on the high desert plains is something I’ll never figure out. Here it is, the last day of March. March should come in like a lion and out like a lamb. Hmm. It seems the Weather Gods of Nevada didn’t get the memo, for the weather has taken a turn for the worse. This week, there are no gorgeous spring days in the forecast. Rather, the weather will be winter-like until further notice.
As the world begins to shake off the winter chill and the first signs of spring start to emerge, those of us living in the high desert plains of Northwestern Nevada know that early spring can be a tricky season to navigate. With its unique combination of harsh conditions and stunning beauty, we face a special set of challenges around here.
Today, high winds will return to the area, wreaking havoc on fences and trees. These are the kinds of winds that approach like freight trains with sustained speeds of 30 – 50 miles per hour. Two friends were discussing roof repairs at church yesterday. It’s the price we all pay to live in the desert.
Today’s gusts might well turn this pleasant Monday afternoon into a battle with blowing sand and dust. Not only does this make outdoor activities uncomfortable, but the wind also makes the air feel much colder than it actually is, adding an extra chill to the day. HHH’s golf date may need to be put on hold until next week.
One of the defining characteristics of early spring in the high desert is its unpredictable nature. You may start the day with bright sunshine, but by the afternoon, a gusty windstorm could sweep in, followed by a cold snap that makes you wish you had packed a jacket. Temperatures can fluctuate wildly during this time of year, with mornings often dipping below freezing and afternoons warming up to the 50s or 60s.
Thank goodness the Iris and Daffodils aren’t bothered by these crazy temps. Last year, HHH and I moved many of the Iris’s to a more central location. This year, they’re sprouting as if they’ve never been moved!
I wish the fruit trees were more agreeable. With the long stretch of freezing temps, we’ll be lucky to get any fruit at all this year. This is all a bit worrisome as we wait for the new bees. Arriving in a little more than two weeks, there isn’t a lot of food around here for them to eat. Last year, 60% of the hives in the United States died. We’re all praying for a better year.
While the temperatures are swinging back and forth, our seedlings will continue to be safe and sound on the dining room table. As they continue to grow, some have graduated to 4″ peat pots, while others are just breaking the surface. One thing is for certain, Winterpast will be ablaze with color this year.
With all of this uncertainty, one thing is clear. This gives me an entire week to work on spring cleaning. The dust bunnies have been multiplying in preparation for Easter. I need to get with the program, because there isn’t any gardener that wants to be inside when the weather finally turns to spring.
Whatever you do today, choose an activity that fits your weather. If you are lucky enough to enjoy some spring days, get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Plant something. Enjoy the birds and their antics. Spring is a gorgeous time of year.
