As native of the Northern Virginia area I've had a chance to see most of the extremes that have hit the area. Blizzards and hurricanes we've had a few. Sometimes you can even get three seasons in one week. As a military spouse I've also had the opportunity to experience the weather in a few other choice locations and learned a thing or two about how weather forecasters throw around terms that don't necessarily make sense unless you've never lived anywhere else.

When you hear the term "monsoon season" when you live in the Far East you know what that means. However when you later move to Arizona and you hear the weather guessers use the term "monsoon season" you think they are off their rockers. Trust me they aren't the same. In Europe the definition of "oppressively hot" is far different than spending August in Little Rock Arkansas and hearing that same term used. It is indeed "oppressively hot" in Little Rock!

So when it comes to the seasons in Northern Virginia I've learned to ignore what the calendar might say and have come up with my own definition to know when we've gone from one season to another.

When the Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom around the Tidal Basin and you can't move for everyone stopping to take pictures then you know that spring has officially arrived.

Summer is here when you see the fireworks exploding around the Washington Monument and you hear the National Symphony Orchestra playing the 1812 Overture.

If you sense a change in the air and the leaves on the trees strut their brightly colored leaves like proud peacocks then fall has arrived.

Winter is the easiest season of all to spot. In fact you don't even have to open your eyes to know it has arrived. When your radio goes off in the morning and you hear the news that cars are sliding on the ice at the Springfield interchange, a veteran of the seasons in the area knows just what to do. Turn off your radio, pull the covers back over your head and wait until the Cherry Blossoms bloom again before you get up!

The great news is that Northern Virginia has all of the season to offer both visitors and residents alike to enjoy. So forget what the weather forecasters have to say and make up your own seasonal calendar. You will be just as accurate and maybe even more so than they are! Check today's weather in Northern Virginia.

If relocating to Northern Virginia is in your plans in the near future give me a call at 703-346-2213. I'd be glad to help you navigate not only our four seasons but the home buying process as well.

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