Drier, warmer-than-normal spring forecasted for B.C.
Posted February 28, 2024 7:05 am.
Last Updated February 28, 2024 7:09 am.
As people make their way through cold rain and slush in Metro Vancouver Wednesday morning, it’s a great time to look forward to a potentially pleasant spring.
Another seasonal outlook has been released pointing to warmer-than-normal and drier-than-normal conditions ahead, but there’s also a warning.
Listen to CityNews 1130 LIVE now!“After a cooler and unsettled start to the season, pleasant spring weather is expected to dominate,” the B.C. prediction in the Weather Network’s Spring Forecast said.
“Spring flooding is less of a concern this year with below-normal snowpack in the alpine regions. However, this also means a shorter spring ski season and a risk for an early start to the wildfire season.”
However, the network points to a “moody” start to the season, with some wetter and colder days still in the mix.
“El Nino is fading, and La Nina appears to be getting ready to take the stage as we head towards summer,” said Chris Scott, chief meteorologist at The Weather Network.
“Therefore, we expect this spring will feature profound mood swings across Canada as periods of late winter-like weather interrupt our journey towards consistent warm weather. However, we expect that warmer-than-normal temperatures will outduel the cold weather for most Canadians this spring.”
The network calls it “El Nino’s final stand” after one of the warmest Canadian winters on record.
“This shift from El Niño to La Niña as the primary influence on global weather patterns, occurring during a traditionally turbulent season, suggests that the upcoming season will lack a clear and stable character.”
For B.C., the outlook suggests March will start off cool and unsettled, with much-needed snow for the alpine regions, including the ski areas.
“However, as we get deeper into the season, we expect that warmer-than-normal temperatures and drier-than-normal conditions will dominate.”
The 2023 wildfire season was the most severe on record for B.C. and the province is already preparing for another potentially active season ahead.
