Twin Cities businesses embrace spring's warmth ahead of incoming wintry mix

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Many Twin Cities businesses tried to capitalize on the warm weather in case winter makes a brief return later this week. A wintry mix is expected to move through Minnesota, starting on Wednesday.

Crews from Friedges Landscaping out of Lakeville are working to get last-minute spring repair jobs done, like fixing pavement at Burnsville High School.

“We're trying to get out and about doing stuff when the weather is nice,” said Ross Charles of Friedges Landscaping. “Looks like we only have a few days here before we possibly get something, but we are out here trying to get after it.”

They've been busy fielding calls from people wanting spring cleanup jobs done around their property and thinking about summer projects on the to-do list. They might have to put away the cement mixer and get their snowplows ready again, which could delay business for outdoor duties for at least a week.

“Who knows, we may be out plowing snow,” said Charles. “We might be going from landscaping today to moving snow in a couple of days—not really ideal.”

Over at Pellici Ace Hardware, the lawnmowers, Adirondack chairs and mulch are on display. One customer did come in looking for a shovel, but what's left of winter weather gear is now in storage.

Manager Tyler Klotz says even with a rare April storm, it doesn't make much business sense to order more snowblowers or salt.

“Lawnmowers we got, we got grills, we got Adirondack chairs, so focus on what’s to come, not necessarily the bad things, but the good,” said Klotz. 

Everyone from dogs, runners, babies and even kayakers were out soaking up the spring day at Lake Nokomis. For the first time this year, the temperature reached 70 degrees.

“It’s amazing after such a long winter as always, but I guess enjoy it while we can,” said Sam Townsend of Minneapolis.