Warm weather likely isn't here to stay

Are we done with winter? Don't bet on it.

Despite this weekend's balmy warmth, you might not want to put out fragile bedding plants just yet - unless you're prepared to cover them up.

"The average for the last frost in this area is March 21, so we're still a good ways from that," said Sid Mullis, Richmond County's Georgia Extension Service director.

From a statistical standpoint, it is likely Masters Week will be warm and pleasant.

"But it isn't always that way," Mr. Mullis said, recalling the Masters finale of 2007, when an unforeseen and devastating frost struck.

Last year, Masters Week was cool and near average, but there was still one last freeze in store April 16, when the temperature fell to 31 degrees.

This weekend's warm weather will persist for much of the week, according to the National Weather Service. The Accuweather forecast calls for high temperatures in the 80s and lows in the 50s for the next few days.

Reach Rob Pavey at 868-1222, ext. 119, or rob.pavey@augustachronicle.com.