photo by: Chris Conde

Sixth graders from St. John Catholic School play kickball in South Park on March 2, 2022.

The temperature in northeast Kansas on Wednesday has broken the record high for March 2.

On March 2, 1901 — 121 years ago — the temperature reached 83 degrees in Topeka, said Kyle Poage, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Topeka. Records going back that far are not available for Lawrence. The temperature in Topeka shortly after noon Wednesday was 84 and was expected to reach 86. By 2 p.m. the temperature in Lawrence had reached 86.

“March can have a variety of weather, but it is on the unique side,” Poage said.

Temperatures in early March typically are in the lower 50s, but the NWS has predicted the rest of the week to have above-normal temperatures with a high of 61 on Thursday and back up into the 70s to start the weekend, Poage said.

A storm is predicted on Friday night with a 20% chance of rain, increasing to a 50% chance on Saturday afternoon. Temperatures are expected to fall back into the 40s on Sunday and Monday, Poage said.

photo by: Chris Conde

From left, Deedra Zolman, Josie Ludwig, age 2, Haylie Ludwig, and James Ludwig, 4 months, swing together in South Park on March 2, 2022.

photo by: Chris Conde

Nine-month-old Azula Sustaita is pushed by her mother, Gabriela Sustaita, on March 2, 2022, at South Park.

photo by: Chris Conde

Rebecca Ryan, left, and Sue Silkey head into the woods with their walking poles on March 2, 2022, at the Lawrence River Trails.

photo by: Chris Conde

Abigail Hummel skates on the halfpipe on March 2, 2022, at Centennial Skate Park.

photo by: Chris Conde

A dog takes a walk in the sunny weather on March 2, 2022, at Centennial Park.