Community Corner

It's Spring! But Expect Today's Temps to Feel More Like Summer

Take advantage of today's high temperatures by visiting one of the area's now-open golf courses or parks, and keep an eye on the skies to set your compass for the season.

Let's face it. Mother Nature is having a weird year.

In Shelby Township, Utica and throughout much of Southeast Michigan, winter was less-than-impressive with little snowfall and relatively mild temperatures. Today is the first day of spring, but the National Weather Service predicts it will feel more like summer, with a high near 80 degrees and mostly sunny skies after the morning fog clears.

Who needs a compass?

Although the weather aspect is most noticeable, there is more to the first day of spring than warmer temperatures. Also known as the vernal equinox, it is on this day that the sun rises exactly due east and sets exactly due west as it crosses the celestial equator going northward, according to Almanac.com.

Find out what's happening in Shelby-Uticawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

As a result of this movement of the sun in relation to the Earth, both day and night are approximately 12 hours long. In Macomb Township, the sun will rise at 7:34 a.m. and set at 7:45 p.m., resulting in a 12 hour and 11 minute day.

Spring officially begins at 1:14 a.m. (EST) today, when the sun moves into the astrological sign of Aries.

Find out what's happening in Shelby-Uticawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

What's open now?

  • Numerous area golf courses opened early to take advantage of the warmer temperatures. .
  • is offering free small cones to celebrate the first day of spring and to beneft the Children's Miracle Network. 
  • The was completed last fall and is now open to runners, walkers, bikers and more.


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