After sloppy spell, March ushers in warmer-than-normal temperatures

By Lauren Dezenski, Globe Correspondent

Kiss that sloppy winter goodbye with a lamb-like beginning to March. Today’s quiet weather kicks off slightly warmer than normal conditions set to last through the weekend, the National Weather Service said.

This morning, the weather service released its meteorological winter in review, showing the state’s weather data logged this winter, which officially ended Thursday. The numbers confirm what many can easily suspect: The state saw more snow, more rain, and more warmth than most other winters.

“We’re in the top 25 percent of winners in terms of all categories, warmest, wettest, and snowiest winters of the over 100 year record,” said meteorologist Ben Sipprell.

This winter seemed especially harsh in light of last year’s more benign winter, which followed a particularly snowy season. That year-to-year inconsistency, potentially affected by human activity, makes it even harder for meteorologists to predict coming winters, he said.

“That’s probably why I can’t tell you what the next winter is going to be like,” Sipprell said, “because there hasn’t been any consistency between the winter data from year to year.”

Today’s skies will be mostly cloudy with a slight chance of showers throughout the day. Highs could reach 44 in Boston with a slight breeze from the north. Overnight lows will hit freezing in Boston, the weather service said.

“Whatever snow is out there is gradually disappearing,” said meteorologist Charlie Foley.

The weekend will be much of the same, with a mix of sun and clouds and daytime highs in the mid-40s, just above normal, Foley said. Today’s slight chance of showers will last through Sunday night, and overnight lows in Boston will just hit freezing Saturday and Sunday night.