This winter season was filled with frequent snow storms and bone-chilling temperatures.

Unfortunately, history shows a harsh winter can lead to an equally harsh spring storm season.

TODAY’S TMJ4’s Chief Forecaster John Malan asked the experts to see what we can expect this spring.

Wisconsin residents are finally starting to recover from the second snowiest winter on record!

"This is a winter for the ages. A lot of winter storms this winter,” National Weather Service Meteorologist Rusty Kapela said.

So what do folks hope for this spring?

“I hope we have a nice spring because I’m kinda sick of this snow,” a little girl said.

“People get happier. People wake up with smiles!” Natalia Barananka said.

History shows we might be in for a rough ride this spring and summer. That's because we had a "La Nina" winter, which often produces harsher conditions than usual.

A "La Nina" winter happens when the water temperature in the tropical pacific is below normal.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Rusty Kapela has done extensive research on the subject.

“There's a tendency here for a summer season, after a La Nina winter, to have a strong tornado and a long-track tornado,” Kapela said.

For example, the colossal F-5 tornado that wiped out Oakfield in 1996 happened after a "La Nina" winter. While a tornado of that magnitude is unusual in Wisconsin, Kapela says we should be prepared for more tornadoes than we've seen in the last couple years.

“Just statistically, we're gonna have an upswing, above our yearly average of 21 tornadoes,” Kapela said.

For now, most people are enjoying these first signs of spring.

“Standing out here today, it's just gorgeous. I mean you look at the city and it's just gorgeous. We're happy to live here!” Sue Howell said.

Don't forget to watch the TODAY’S TMJ4 weather special “Safe From The Storm.” It airs Friday night at 7:00 on TODAY’S TMJ4.