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Weather Wise | Is the phrase 'April showers bring May flowers' true?

Meteorologist Diane Phillips discusses where the common springtime phrase came from and if it is true?

TOLEDO, Ohio — Looking at the forecast for this week, there are plenty of rain showers to go around. It's the first full week of April so seeing rain in the forecast is not surprising. 

Credit: WTOL

April also continues the transition into spring, but around here, the big changes happen later in the month. 

Most people repeat the phrase, "April showers bring May flowers." Here in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, it tends to ring true.  

The main meaning of the phrase is the gloomy, rainy days will turn into a splendid and colorful show around us. Maybe you heard the saying from a friend or relative, but it dates back hundreds of years. The origin is from a poem that was published in the United Kingdom.

As far as April being a total washout, you might be surprised to know that it isn't our rainiest month. June is the wettest month on average with over an inch of rainfall throughout the month. April averages 0.9" of rain. 

Of course, some years April is wetter or drier. 

The data also shows through the Ohio Valley that precipitation in the month of April is on the rise. Though April is rainy, it could be even more wet. It just helps us to really enjoy the bright colors, blooms and flowers that will be glowing soon on a street near you.

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