There’s more than one theory as to why this phrase caught on. The first is the literal nature of the saying: Lions are known to be ravenous, strong creatures — much like the sometimes unforgiving climate of early March — while lambs are calm and docile — like the weather can be toward the end of the month. That’s not the only reason why it might have stuck. Some speculate that the night sky plays a part as well. The constellation Leo rises in the east at the start of March, while Aries sets in the west as the month draws to close. The former takes the shape of a lion, while the latter is represented by a ram. If March could be summed up in one word, it would be “volatile." The transition period from winter to spring can bring snow storms and freezing temperatures one week, then have people raiding their closets for more summery attire the next. That uneasy mix of Arctic fronts and warmer, more humid air can lead to extreme weather events like tornadoes, thunderstorms, and high winds. Heavy rain falling atop still-frozen ground can also lead to flooding, especially when you add melting snow into the mix. Longer days and warmer temperatures can tame things a bit toward the end of the month, but while most like to believe that the popular saying is correct that the end of March will always bring lamb-like weather, it’s more of a wish than a meteorological prediction. Sometimes, that lion can keep on pushing all the way until those April showers start.
