La Niña and the polar vortex combine to create a high-impact winter across Canada, raising questions about how spring weather will unfold. The Weather Network releases its spring forecast for March, April, and May, suggesting that the transition to summer will be gradual and unpredictable.
“Spring isn’t just a season in Canada—it’s the scenic route from winter to summer, and this year, it looks like we are in for a bit of a trek,” said Doug Gillham, senior meteorologist with The Weather Network. “Spring rarely takes us on a straight path from winter to summer and this year will be a prime example. Our journey to summer will include many detours and even some backtracking into winter. But rest assured that we will get there! For parts of Canada the long winding road could end rather suddenly with an abrupt transition into summer.”
Across most of Canada, temperatures are expected to stay near normal or colder than normal through March and April. Rain and snow are likely to remain near or above average, while May may bring a faster shift toward early summer conditions in some areas.
Ontario and Quebec are expected to see a slow spring start, with winter conditions lingering and frequent temperature swings. Higher precipitation may affect seasonal preparation activities. British Columbia may experience cooler weather after an early false start to spring, with above-normal precipitation before a possible warm shift in May.
The Prairies face changeable temperatures after an earlier winter thaw. Colder conditions and additional snowfall may continue through early spring, but warmer and drier weather is expected later, especially in Alberta.
Atlantic Canada is forecast to have a typical spring with changing temperatures and active storm systems. Northern Canada is expected to remain mostly near seasonal conditions, with warmer trends in Nunavut.