Spring fever or deep freeze? Canada divided by extreme weather pattern
March shows Canada why it can be a turbulent and contrasting month this week, with winter weather sticking around in the West while the East gets a sneak preview of spring-like temperatures
Weather whiplash is ahead for Canadians as an exceptional temperature divide develops this week, with western regions plunging back into winter while Ontario and the East leaps into spring.
The stark divide will also set the stage for a strong area of low pressure, a messy Colorado low that could trigger thunderstorms in Ontario.
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Winter won’t let go of Western Canada
Cold, Arctic air is surging south from the territories, where ample cold air lingers. A sharp trough will dive across the western U.S., amplifying the pattern and sending temperatures to more than 10°C below seasonal in British Columbia and the Prairies.
That pattern has been known to drop snow levels close to sea level in B.C., while Alberta will be susceptible to heavy snowfall events later this week.
Spring surges into Ontario and the East
Meanwhile, Ontario and much of Eastern Canada are in for an early taste of spring-like warmth. Temperatures in cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa will soar into the teens––well above-seasonal normals.
This warmth could even come with the risk of thunderstorms by next weekend. Atlantic Canada will also join in on the warmth, with well-above seasonal temperatures spreading eastward by next weekend.
A battle zone: Winter storm with a thunderstorm twist
Where these two clashing air masses meet, a stormy battleground will set up over the eastern Prairies and northwest Ontario. A deep Colorado low will develop and track into the region, threatening heavy snow across Manitoba, with accumulations likely exceeding 20 cm in some areas.
At the same time, a surge of warm, moist air ahead of the system could trigger thunderstorms across southern Ontario–a rare March occurrence.
What's next?
As this volatile pattern unravels, more temperature extremes and storms could be on the horizon.
Find out as we release our Spring forecast this Thursday, March 13, when we break down the season ahead.