Spring weather in Canada remains highly uncertain this year

Spring is arriving across Canada, bringing uncertainty in weather forecasts. This year is particularly unpredictable due to a shift from a weak La Niña to possibly a new El Niño. These changes in ocean temperatures can affect weather patterns worldwide, but current indicators are weak. In British Columbia and western Alberta, snowpack levels are significantly below normal. A series of storms could bring more snow in the coming weeks, helping to raise these levels before the spring thaw. Forecasters expect above-average rainfall this spring and cooler temperatures, which may lessen the risk of wildfires. The Prairies will see fluctuating temperatures throughout April. Colder and milder weather will alternate, leading to additional snowfalls before the last vestiges of winter. Major flooding is not expected this year, but conditions will remain variable. Across southern Ontario and Quebec, warmer temperatures likely mean an active start to severe weather season in late May and June. A cooler stretch at the end of March could lead to a controlled melt of remaining snow, especially beneficial for flood risk. New Brunswick has already seen some warming and rain, which has reduced snowpack and eased flood concerns in the Maritimes. A mild May and June are likely, with above-average rainfall expected. In the northern regions, such as Yukon and parts of the Northwest Territories, colder-than-normal conditions are predicted. Contrastingly, Nunavut may experience warmer temperatures. Overall, the Arctic continues to see record low ice coverage as spring approaches, highlighting changes in our climate.