March 1, 2016 /CNW/ - Many Canadians are wondering if a relatively mild winter translates to an early start to spring. The Weather Network’s meteorologists have the answers with the release of their Spring Forecast for the months of March, April and May.
Overall, Canadians in Central and Eastern Canada will see a slower start to spring but will then quickly catch up, while Western Canada will experience spring-like conditions early on.
“This winter has been milder than the last couple for most Canadians, but there is still great anticipation for that first stretch of consistently warm spring weather. Central and Eastern Canada will have to endure a few parting shots of winter over the coming weeks before warmer temperatures burst onto the scene in April,” said Chris Scott, Chief Meteorologist at The Weather Network.
“We’ll see Western Canada’s mild weather trend continue through March, which will set the stage for a warmer than normal spring. Despite the mild forecast, spring snow storms are not out of the question especially in the higher elevations of Alberta and B.C.”
While El Niño is weakening after one of the strongest events in 60 years, it will continue to have an influence on the spring weather pattern across Canada.
Through the first half of the season, the main storm track heading up along the East Coast and into Atlantic Canada will result in above normal precipitation from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland.
During April, the pattern will change and the second half of spring will leave much of Ontario, southwestern Quebec and parts of the Prairies with below normal precipitation.
Meanwhile, despite the above normal temperatures expected for Western Canada, spring skiing conditions will be optimal in the Rockies and coastal areas of B.C. due to a deep snowpack.
In British Columbia the temperature outlook is for above normal with the precipitation out look showing most of the region near normal except above normal for central and northern coastal sections.
Complete Spring Forecast details, including regional breakdowns, maps and charts are available at www.theweathernetwork/spring.
Canadians can be prepared for changeable weather patterns by visiting www.theweathernetwork.com or by downloading The Weather Network App.