Spring fever hits Canada in March, but snowstorms still lurk
Teases of spring start to creep into Canada during a typical March—but winter isn’t done with us just yet
The first tease of spring after a long, cold winter hits like a breath of fresh air. Warm enough to shed the heavy layers and crisp enough to open the windows for a bit, every Canadian deserves to enjoy a stunning March day in all its glory.
But winter isn’t done with us just yet. March is known for its steady drumbeat of storms prancing across the country—the price we pay for the changing seasons. These systems can bring frequent bouts of snow and ice as winter’s stubborn chill hangs tight.
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March snows continue apace across Canada
Just about every major city across Canada can expect to see shovellable snows during an average March.
Most cities on the Prairies average double-digit snowfall totals throughout a typical March. This is actually the snowiest month of the year for Calgary and Red Deer.
Folks in Calgary expect to see about 24 cm of snow during an average March, representing about 17 per cent of the city’s annual snowfall of around 139 cm.
The western Prairies tend to pick up the bulk of their snow in March (and April!) thanks to a tropical influence pushing into the region.
Winters are extremely cold—and extremely dry—in this part of the world. Spring tends to see southerly winds pushing Gulf moisture into the region; storm systems tapping into this moisture allows them to produce bigger snowfalls.
March snows remain common across the eastern half of the country, as well. Toronto averages about 18 cm of snow in a typical March, while Montreal racks up about 36 cm of snow on average.
Low-pressure systems rolling up the coast can continue bringing heavy snows to the Atlantic provinces, with Halifax and St. John’s each averaging decent accumulations throughout the month.
Hope blooms in rising sun angle and temperatures
March isn’t all bad. The concept of “average” quickly changes throughout the month as the onset of spring creeps north of the border.
Temperatures rise significantly between Mar. 1 and Mar. 31 from coast to coast.
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Folks in Calgary come into the month with an average high temperature of -1°C. By the end of the month, the normal high temperature there will rise to a comfortable 8°C. Fredericton, N.B., will follow the same trajectory.
It’s a similar story over in Toronto, where the city’s average high of 2°C on Mar. 1 will rise to 9°C by the final day of March.
Not only will our temperatures benefit from the changing seasons, but we can also attribute the steady warming to longer days. We gain one to two hours of daylight throughout the month of March as the Sun’s direct rays once again begin focusing their energy on the northern hemisphere.
Beware the risk for freezing rain, flooding
Snow isn’t the only wintry hazard we have to monitor heading into the early spring season. Warmer air scooting north brings the risk for freezing rain.
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Folks who’ve dealt with ice storms can tell you that freezing rain can cause even more issues than plain old snow. A crust of ice from freezing rain can lead to widespread, and sometimes long-lasting, power outages across the affected areas.
Flooding will also pose a growing concern as springtime weather approaches. The combination of rainfall, frozen ground, and snowmelt will lead to ponding, runoff, and swollen waterways throughout the country.
Whether it’s from ongoing snow, flooding, or a crust of ice from freezing rain, ensure you stay ready for whatever the weather throws your way throughout the month of March.
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(Header image credit: gremlin via Getty Images)