World and Nation

Time for a thaw

Every year, one of the early signs that spring is on the way is the thawing of the Charles River. That sign has arrived this week as the layer of ice covering the river has melted away from most of the river’s surface. As of Monday evening, the only sections of the river close to MIT with remaining ice cover were near the Harvard Bridge, and the total frozen area appeared to be decreasing throughout the day.

Indeed, the weather for the remainder of the week will be conducive to a total thaw of the river, as above-freezing temperatures will be a daily occurrence. Additionally, a rainstorm impacting our area on Thursday night and into Friday will help to wash away any snow and ice remaining from this winter’s storms. All of this melting serves as a reminder that the first day of spring is less than two weeks away!