Once just a weather term for a brief warm spell before winter returns, “fake spring” has now blossomed into a viral meme, popping up on social media as the perfect punchline for seasonal whiplash. Typically appearing in late winter, around February or March, “fake spring” refers to rapidly rising temperatures followed by a cold snap. The culprit is a shift in atmospheric pressure and jet streams, which can bring a few days of unseasonably mild weather from the south, only for frost — or even snow — to sneak back in. Climate change is making these events more common, with sudden temperature swings that give fake spring an extra sting. For plants, this phenomenon tricks buds into blooming prematurely, leaving delicate shoots and flowers vulnerable to frost or even death. Above ground, fake spring mostly lures humans into pulling out shorts and sandals too soon. Unfortunately, the disappointment is real, and the Internet has responded with memes we can relate to. When the groundhog predicts six more weeks of winter but the sun is shining and temperatures are creeping up toward 70º F, it’s hard to know what to believe. While a few warm days in late winter can feel like a promise that spring has finally arrived, history — and plenty of disappointed gardeners — suggests it’s wise to remain skeptical. Cold snaps often return well into March or even April across much of the U.S., so enjoy the sunshine while it lasts, but keep that winter coat within reach.
