Welcome to Spring, Crystal Lake and Cary ...

Today marks the first day of spring and Crystal Lake and Cary residents will be greeted with sub-zero wind chills and the possibility of more snow in the coming days. 

In contrast, last year's first day of spring saw record-breaking temperatures in Chicago with a recorded high of 87 on March 20, 2012 and another record high on March 21, 2012 of 87 degrees, according to the Chicago Tribune. 

Today, wind chill values as low as -3 degrees and a high of 21 degrees is in the forecast today for Crystal Lake, according to the National Weather Service. There will be a slight warm up for Friday through Sunday with temperatures in the 30s and 40s. 

There is a chance of rain and snow both Sunday and Monday in Crystal Lake. 

The good news about the first day of spring: The vernal equinox, or spring equinox, is one of two times a year when we have nearly equal parts day and night, according to Almanac.com. March 20 marks the 2013 spring equinox and with it brings the promise of warmer days and more hours of sunshine in coming months.