Consequences of early spring-like weather

NEW YORK (FOX5NY) - A cherry blossom in bloom is a rare sight on the streets of Manhattan on a mid-March day. But it's not the only thing coming to life ahead of schedule this year. Trees are budding, crocuses are breaking through, and some daffodils are ready for their close-ups.

While the flowers may put us in a spring state of mind, their early arrival puts them in a precarious situation, explains George Pisegna, the chief of Horticulture at The Horticulture Society of New York.

Local farmers like Joe Obrien of Healthway Farms in Highland, New York, share a similar concern. An early crop could become a weak crop in the event of a frost.

Then there's the issue of allergies. Experts say you can blame the warm weather for an uptick in mold and dust mites.

Another side effect of warm weather in early March is the potential for more bugs, such as ticks, in late spring.

Despite all of these potential consequences to a late-winter spring, New Yorkers are still finding plenty to enjoy, like leaving those heavy coats at home.