Last week, the temperature switch was very dramatic. The temperature was nearly 65 degrees and many people were able to walk outside without a heavy winter coat. By the weekend, some snow fell and the temperature dropped to less than 30 degrees. The shift in temperature during this time of year is extremely frustrating and makes it impossible to make plans accordingly.

Some people love spring. They talk about blooming flowers, warmer days and a “fresh start.” While those ideas sound nice in theory, I believe spring is actually the worst season. Especially in the Midwest, where it feels more like the aftermath of winter.

After months of freezing temperatures and tons of snow, you would think spring would bring consistency. Instead, it brings confusion. One day it is 65 degrees and sunny, warm enough to leave the house without a jacket and drive with the windows down. The next morning, it is back to 30 degrees, windy and somehow colder than it felt in January. That constant shift makes it impossible to dress correctly or plan anything outdoors due to the unpredictability. Winter may be harsh, but at least it is consistent with being cold. Spring cannot seem to decide what it wants to be and that indecision becomes exhausting.

The unpredictability makes it feel like winter never truly ended. Snow melts into slush, which turns into muddy sidewalks and streets full of potholes. The city looks less like it is blooming and more like it is recovering. There aren’t any bright colors and clear skies. Rather, there are weeks of damp air and cloudy days. It feels like we are stuck in between seasons, waiting for warmth that never fully arrives until the month of May when it finally starts to feel somewhat normal. 

To add to the wonderful spring season, the cherry on top is seasonal allergies. It only makes matters worse. As soon as trees and flowers begin to bloom, so does the sneezing, watery eyes and constant congestion. It is hard to appreciate “beautiful weather” when you cannot breathe properly or go five minutes without reaching for a tissue. Spring has a reputation of renewal and growth, but for many people like myself it delivers tons of tissues and allergy medicine instead.

While summer offers steady warmth and winter at least stays predictable, spring lingers awkwardly in between. It is not quite cold enough to partake in winter activities and not warm enough to fully enjoy being outside. It’s the messy and the unwanted season that is dreaded before summer starts.