It's not springtime yet, but according to some University of Memphis students, current weather conditions are providing an early dose of spring fever.
"I like it -- it's nice," senior Mark McNeal said. "I plan on being outside as much as possible. I have a camera, and I like to go outside and take pictures. But when it gets to about 107 degrees out here in August, it's not so nice."
Steve Cromer, a forecaster at the National Weather Service, said unseasonably mild temperatures will linger through the rest of the week, continuing throughout the weekend.
"The main reason for the slight increase in temperature is because of southerly wind flows," Cromer said. "It will be in the mid-sixties throughout the week, with a chance of rain Thursday and Friday."
McNeal said Memphis has endured its third-coldest winter in history, and students Monday weren't complaining about the break from frigid temperatures.
"I'm probably going to take the dogs out to play," senior MIS major Corrie Davis said. "I'm going to Overton Park to the grassy areas. They like to play ball there."
Davis said the warm weather affects the overall attitude of the entire campus.
"I believe the nice weather puts everyone in a better mood," Davis said. "More people are out here socializing. There will definitely be more smokers outside."
Casey Bryant, a junior international business major, said because of the mild temperatures, teaching classes outdoors provides a good alternative for both teachers and students.
"I think teaching outdoors during this time adds more of a stimulus," Bryant said. "It gets students out of the drab colors of the classroom and makes students less bored."
Although temperatures will remain in the mid-sixties throughout the week, Cromer said temperatures will drop by this weekend.
"A cold front will be moving in later this week, with a low pressure picking up some Gulf moisture," Cromer said. "There will be a chance for rain Thursday, but a higher chance of thunderstorms by Friday afternoon (50 percent), with some lingering showers through the night. This weekend should be in the mid-fifties."
Despite a forecast of rain and slightly lower temperatures, some already have plans for this weekend.
McNeal said, "Actually, I already got tickets for the XFL game."
