Not feeling like spring? A look at this chilly, rainy April | Climate Friday (2025)

TOLEDO, Ohio — If you’ve stepped outside this April and thought to yourself, “This doesn’t feel like spring,” you’re not alone. Residents of northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan have experienced an unusually chilly and soggy start to the month. This April has already proven to be one for the record books in more ways than one.

In this week's Climate Friday Newsletter, Meteorologist John Burchfield explains why Mother Nature seems to be giving us the cold shoulder... and the wet feet and looks ahead to milder and brighter days.

Spring freeze

We’re no strangers to early April cold snaps, but this week has been especially frigid by seasonal standards. We’ve had a string of freezing mornings that would feel more at home in early March than well into the second month of spring.

These readings all fall well below the 32-degree threshold that defines a freeze. Even more concerning, these mornings dipped below 28 degrees, officially qualifying as a hard freeze.

This magnitude of cold can be especially damaging to early spring blooms, tender garden plants, and budding trees that had already started to respond to late March warmth.

Spring freezes aren’t entirely out of the ordinary, and sub-freezing temperatures typically linger into late April and occasionally May and June. Our average last freeze in Toledo typically occurs on April 26.

So while we’re still within that window, this cold streak has felt more like an extension of winter than a hiccup of spring.

Historically, our latest recorded last freeze occurred on June 11, 1972. So yes, Mother Nature can surprise us even late into the spring and close to summer.

When it rains, it pours

If the cold hasn’t gotten your attention, the rain certainly has. April arrived with a parade of wet days, rising rivers, and more than a few flooded yards and fields. So far this month, we’ve measured slightly over 3 inches of rainfall, putting us over 2 inches above the monthly average.

All told, seasonal rainfall starting in March is now running 2.66 inches above average, reinforcing a wetter-than-average pattern that has been building since early spring. The most dramatic rainfall event came on April 2, when 2.26 inches of rain fell across northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan as severe thunderstorms swept through the region.

That type of extreme single-day rainfall doesn’t just make for a messy commute- it has a tangible impact. That heavy rainfall led to rising river levels, standing water in low-lying areas, and residential flooding that caused a headache for many locals.

Though this early April rainfall didn't break any records, it did come close to the wettest April day ever recorded in Toledo on April 22, 1977, with 2.89 inches of rain. While we didn’t quite break that record, we came within striking distance just two days into the month.

And over a week later, much of northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan is still struggling to dry out with persistent spring showers in the forecast.

One-two punch: Wet and cold

While rain and cold temperatures aren’t unusual in early spring, their combination this April has made for some tough conditions, especially for local agriculture and gardeners.

Cold, wet soils can delay planting and put stress on early crops like peas, lettuce, and spinach. Fruit trees- particularly sensitive to hard freezes during the budding phase- are at risk of blossom damage, which could impact yields later in the season. Local apple farmers could face significant impacts if a late season hard freeze strikes after buds have opened up.

And for backyard gardeners eager to get a jump on spring planting? It’s best to keep those tomato and pepper starts indoors for a while longer. Additionally, persistent rainfall and chilly temperatures can slow down drying in fields, delay tilling, and force farmers to push back their typical planting windows. That could have ripple effects later in the growing season if delays become too prolonged.

Looking ahead

The big question on everyone’s mind: When will it feel like spring again? Long-range forecasts hint at a gradual warming trend by mid to late April. Keep those plant covers handy, and avoid rushing your spring garden if you can.

As for the rain? While we may not see another blockbuster rainfall right away, periodic showers are still in the cards with our next rain chance arriving late Monday.

April in Toledo is always a bit unpredictable, but 2025 is testing our patience with a mix of hard freezes and record-challenging rainfall. But hang in there. Warmer days are coming and the weekend looks beautiful with bright sunshine and mild temperatures.

In the meantime, stay dry and stay warm. And hold off on the spring planting for a bit!