While the Spring season to date has been much cooler compared to last year in many locations, the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend typically brings strong seasonal purchasing as consumers look to hit the beaches and pools, and gather for picnics and barbecues.
Early next week, there is a threat of severe weather in the Plains, Great Lakes, and Ohio Valley, according to forecasters at Planalytics. Looking out to the Memorial Day Weekend (Friday, May 24 – Monday, May 27), warmer than normal temperatures will be the rule throughout much of the Great Lakes, Northern Plains, South Central, and Mountain regions, along with most of Canada. Meanwhile, cooler than normal conditions will be focused in the Mid-Atlantic and Gulf Coast regions, where many markets are comping an extremely warm holiday last year. Cooler than normal conditions also will be prevalent in Northern California and the Pacific Northwest.
Much of the West will be dry throughout the weekend, supporting outdoor activities and aiding demand for seasonal items, say forecasters at Planalytics. Precipitation will be focused along most of the East Coast and Gulf Coast, putting a damper on swimming and picnics.
“While many locations will trend cooler than the record warmth experienced over Memorial Day weekend last year, the areas experiencing warmer than normal conditions can expect strong demand for cold beverages, barbecues, seasonal apparel, as well as lawn care items,” says Planalytics researchers. “For those who opt to stay close to home over the holiday weekend, foot traffic into home centers should be favorable, particularly in locations which are expected to be dry over the holiday weekend.”
