Here is SE Michigan we enjoyed a mild, but variable, March. Temperatures were 3.8°F above normal... the highest positive variation in over two years. This leaves the cumulative variation at minus 1.92°F since February, 2008.
March seems consistent with temperatures across the U.S. which is a break from the past two years when Michigan was consistently colder than the U.S. average.
The flurry of outdoor activity seen nearby... as opposed to snow... was a welcome change for an area beset by chronic cold, wet weather. April is shaping up to have an even greater positive variance from normal as evidenced by the early use of local golf courses and the ducks getting ready for the annual ritual of raising a brood.
This is bound to help consumers in this area with lower heating bills and less cold weather related illnesses. Unfortunately, reality looks like it may be setting back in next week as more normal April temperatures invade the area.