March 20 marks the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere, and after a long, gray winter, Torontonians can look forward to warmer temperatures and sunnier days.
Toronto expects milder temperatures and even some sun this week, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECC).
The sun is expected to show up on Monday and temperatures can rise to as much as six degrees.
On the coldest day of this week, Wednesday, maximum temperatures of five degrees are expected. Maximum temperatures of 11 degrees are expected on Thursday.
Toronto residents can look forward to some sunshine again this weekend.
Maximum temperatures of six degrees are predicted for Friday and Sunday and a mix of sun and clouds is expected. Temperatures will remain around six degrees on Saturday, but showers or thunderstorms are possible.
Spring may have arrived, but Torontonians must still expect bouts of winter-like weather — or, as Environment Canada climatologist Dave Phillips called it, “maple syrup weather.”
It’s often said that spring is slow to arrive in Canada and that it will test us,” Phillips told CP24. “It will come slowly. It’s getting a little warmer every day. But the cold can still come.”
Phillips said Toronto is still likely to get about 10 percent of its annual snowfall, so “don’t put away your snow shovel.”
Ultimately he said it was a waiting game.
“Patience is the key word.”
A WARMER WINTER: ECCC
Phillips said Toronto’s winter this year was much warmer than normal, as the city experienced just 11 days when the temperature dipped to -10°C or below, compared to 38°C in a more typical year.
However, he said March had brought much colder conditions and there was a risk the weather would continue for the rest of the month.
“It’s actually better for us. You don’t want to go from winter to summer because that leads to all kinds of pollen and allergies and flooding and mud,” Phillips said.
“Give nature time.”
Spring will officially arrive on Monday at 5:24 p.m.
With files from Chris Fox of CP24.
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