Spring may be nature's most confusing season, but it's still worth loving
Don't be fooled: Spring is a temperamental season.
It has been quite the spring in Canada so far, complete with late-season snowfall in Atlantic Canada, and on the Prairies and in B.C., as well as damaging ice storms in Ontario and Quebec.
These weather patterns don't jive with the predictions made on February 2nd by several Canadian groundhogs.
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Where's that "early spring" they were talking about?
This prediction has been so far off in Ontario that Waterloo Regional Police announced they'd like to have a word with Wiarton Willie, who is facing fraud charges.
Our artistic rendition of Willie's mug shot. (April Walker and Cheryl Santa Maria for The Weather Network.)
What a lovely winter we're having this spring
As wacky, unpredictable, and winter-like the season may seem, this is all par for the course. That doesn't make spring any less lovable of a season, but more on that in a minute.
First, let's dive into the unpredictability we've seen this year.
"Here's the problem: spring is consistently inconsistent," says Weather Network meteorologist Dr. Doug Gillham.
"It's always a temperature roller coaster as we transition from winter to summer."
The better question to ask, then, is when can people expect to see the consistent, warm weather that so many of us associate with spring?
"Here in Canada, we typically have to wait until the end of spring, or even early summer for that to happen," Doug says.
All right, all right. What are some things to love about spring?
Here's one: Spring skiing.
That late-season snowfall we mentioned out west? It did more that cause traffic delays and force residents to dig out their shovels once again.
It also revived one Whistler, B.C., one of Canada's premier ski destinations, and there's even more snow in the forecast.
Elsewhere, melting snow has rivers and streams flowing once more — a welcome sound that may have been missing for months.
Another spring sound? Hungry birds chirping as they go about their day.
Another sign of nature kicking back into gear is the tree buds and blossoming flowers, aided by a steadily warming sun.
Remember: As Dr. Doug said, in a few weeks, chilly mornings and frost will be a distant memory.
VIDEO: Here are some early blooms to look out for this spring
Thumbnail image by Cheryl Santa Maria/Canva Pro.