Weather Words: Dogwood Winter

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Just when spring feels like it’s here to stay, Dogwood Winter arrives to remind us that winter isn’t quite finished. This term refers to a brief but sharp cold snap in mid-to-late spring, typically occurring when the dogwood trees are in bloom. These brief cold snaps take place in parts of the U.S., especially in the South and Midwest, where the transition from winter to summer is anything but smooth.

The name comes from the dogwood tree, a flowering tree known for its delicate white or pink blossoms. Since dogwoods tend to bloom in April or May, a sudden drop in temperatures around this time is often called Dogwood Winter. Farmers and gardeners have long noted this chilly interruption, as it can pose a threat to newly planted crops and sensitive vegetation.

So, if you’re enjoying a warm spring day and suddenly need to pull out your jacket again, you might just be experiencing Dogwood Winter!

J​ennifer Gray is a weather and climate writer for weather.com. She has been covering some of the world's biggest weather and climate stories for the last two decades.