Douglas: Monday’s warmth will vanish

The extended outlook calls for potholes. According to the American Public Works Association, 254 million registered vehicles travel nearly 3 trillion miles on more than 4 million miles of highways across North America annually. An estimated 32% of our major roadways are rated in poor to mediocre condition. Driving on poor roads costs motorists $67 billion in additional car operating and repair costs annually.

Why are they called potholes? Some sources suggest that wagon wheel ruts on 15th-century roads provided a fresh supply of clay for making pottery, making travel conditions even worse. Whatever the etymology, you know that I am fun at parties.

Monday’s record warmth vanishes with a minor reality check: 40s Tuesday, 50s Wednesday and 60s Thursday. Another powerful storm pulls 70-degree warmth into parts of Minnesota Friday with a few thunderstorms late in the day. Nearly an inch of rain by Saturday ends as a slushy coating of wet snow. Cooler next week, then more 50s and possible 60s later in March.

Winter certainly isn’t over yet, but spring is making some real moves.