Springtime in Canada is often marked by its “moody” nature, flip-flopping between sunshine, heavy rain, and even snow, depending on the province. So as we prepare to enter March and set our clocks forward, let’s go over The Weather Network’s official spring forecast for Canada in 2024, per province and territory.
According to the new report, Canada’s “extraordinarily mild winter” will soon be followed by a “mild but moody” spring season.
That means that Canadians can expect a mixed bag of weather across the board, courtesy of El Niño (warm Pacific waters) and upcoming El Niña (cold Pacific waters).
“We anticipate even more dramatic temperature swings and bursts of winter-like conditions disrupting the path to consistent warmth,” reads the forecast.
Overall, the majority of Canadians can expect above-average temperatures this spring, with the exception of Atlantic Canada and parts of eastern Canada, where warmer spells will be balanced out with chilly periods.
While the mild winter and lack of snow will decrease the chances of spring flooding, it may also lead to an earlier start to wildfire season in some parts of the country, according to TWN.
So with the good news and the bad – let’s dive into the official spring forecast per province.
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British Columbia
For British Columbians, March will start off on the cooler side, with some much-needed snow in the alpine regions and ski areas.
Deeper into the season, however, TWN forecasts warmer and drier-than-normal conditions, which means more pleasant spring days, less likelihood of spring flooding, and a heightened risk of an early start to wildfire season.
The Prairies
In Alberta, warmer-than-normal temperatures are expected to dominate the forecast. And with less snowpack across the region (including the Rockies), there’s less of a chance of spring flooding.
That being said, Albertans will likely be on the receiving end of ‘moodier’ weather than normal, with periods of colder temps and a handful of ‘high-impact’ late-winter-like events piercing the otherwise milder weather.
So enjoy the pleasant spring days, but don’t pack away your warm layers just yet.
As in BC, drought and wildfire concerns may deepen later in the season.
Similarly, Saskatchewan and Manitoba will follow the warmer-than-normal weather pattern this spring, punctured by colder spells. This includes a few late-winter-like storms.
Ontario & Quebec
Ontarians can expect a “very early” spring this year, which means spring blossoms and vegetation are likely already on the way.
Unfortunately, this warmer spring will be accompanied by “shots of cold weather,” with a significant risk for late-season frost or freeze.
TWN also cautions that increasingly dry conditions may develop during the latter half of the season.
In Quebec, mild spring weather has also arrived early, with warmer-than-normal temps dominating the season.
However, this does not eliminate the chance of “messy” late-winter-like storms, as in Ontario.
Atlantic Canada
In Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and P.E.I., “flip-flopping temperatures” this spring will result in near-normal or slightly above-normal temps.
The three provinces are expected to continue on an “active storm track” through March and possibly into April, before drier patterns develop.
Less winter snowpack across NB should result in less spring flooding than residents often see.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, above-normal temps will prevail across the northern parts of the provinces.
However, residents should prepare for the region’s periods of high-impact weather, including heavier precipitation in March and April, followed by a drier pattern.
Northern Canada
As with the rest of the country, spring in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Baffin Island will be marked by warmer-than-normal temps overall.
Meanwhile, in western parts of Nunavut, residents can expect near-normal temps to dominate.
So there you have it — that’s the spring forecast in Canada for 2024. Our takeaway? Enjoy the milder spring days while we can, and prepare for bursts of cold.