Yesterday's flaky surprise likely winter's last gasp

5/4/2005

OK, area residents, the winter season apparently isn't over yet.

Because what to your wondering eyes should appear yesterday but a miniature snow squall that left an accumulation of tiny flakes measuring up to a tenth of an inch between noon and 2 p.m., most of it in the northern part of Toledo, according to AccuWeather Inc., a private forecasting firm based in State College, Pa.

It was just the fourth time in the last 30 years - and the fifth time since 1870 - that even a trace amount of snow fell in Toledo during May, the National Weather Service said. The latest recorded snow in Toledo history occurred May 24, 1925, when a dusting of the white stuff surprised city residents.

The greatest May snowfall was 4 inches in 1923.

Last week, a rare spring snowstorm dumped 4 inches in the Toledo area and more than a foot on Cleveland.

The wintry weather may be making its last stand.

After an overnight low of around 30, temperatures should begin rising today, with a high of 52 and a low of 38, reaching the 70s by the weekend.

No precipitation is expected for the rest of the week. It will be mostly sunny today, partly cloudy tomorrow, and partly sunny Friday through Sunday, according to AccuWeather.