Spring is shaping up to be a slow, uneven transition across much of Canada this year, with weather patterns in March and April likely to complicate the start of planting for farmers in both Western Canada and Ontario, according to the Weather Network’s spring forecast released Wednesday.
Rather than a steady warm-up, forecasters expect frequent swings between mild and colder-than-normal conditions, creating a stop-and-start pattern that could delay early fieldwork.
Across the Prairies, winter made a brief retreat earlier this year before returning with more typical cold and snow. That theme is expected to continue into early spring, with below-normal temperatures dominating through March and well into April. Above normal precipitation, including more snow, is expected (see maps below), pushing back spring seeding preparations, the forecast said.
Conditions are expected to improve as spring progresses. By May, there are growing indications of a shift toward warmer and drier weather across parts of Western Canada. However, it also raises concerns about the potential for overly dry conditions for newly planted crops and forest fires.
Ontario faces a similarly sluggish start. Winter arrived early and appears reluctant to leave, the Weather Network said, with cool temperatures lingering through much of April. Periods of mild weather are forecast, but they are expected to be offset by renewed cold snaps. Near- or above-normal precipitation, including additional snow and ice, could further delay field access and slow the start of planting.
Looking ahead to May, uncertainty remains high for Ontario, with forecasts split between a continuation of cooler conditions or a rapid shift into early summer-like weather.
