February can bring Canada huge snowstorms and glimmers of hope

Even though we’re through the darkest days of winter, don’t let your guard down just yet as February can offer some nasty surprises

Congratulations on making it through the toughest stretch of winter!

January was the heart of the season, with long nights and frigid temperatures that can foster significant snowfall from coast to coast.

February remains quite chilly and snowy throughout the country—this is Canada, after all—but history offers a glimmer of hope on the horizon for the spring-lovers among us.

It’s still more important than ever to stay prepared for occasional bouts of disruptive winter weather this time of year. Make sure you know the proper way to safely shovel snow, and ensure your vehicle is prepared for winter weather driving.

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February Temperature Change Western Canada

February represents the slow but steady upswing from the murky depths of winter. Seasonal temperatures gradually climb through the month, and our monthly average snowfall totals begin ticking down across most of the country.

No major cities throughout Canada average their biggest snows during a typical February—but that doesn’t mean we’re safe from disruptive winter storms.

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It’s tough (but not impossible!) to come across major snows in Western Canada this time of year as temperatures remain mighty chilly and moisture-rich systems are in short supply in this region of the world.

Vancouver typically picks up about 6 cm of snow in an average February, with around 15 cm a common sight on the Prairies toward Calgary and Brandon.

February Average Normal Snowfall

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Bigger snows are common in the eastern half of the country as active storm tracks and plentiful moisture stream through the region.

Toronto averages about 24 cm of snow in a normal February, with nearly twice as much falling up the road toward Ottawa and Montreal.

Heftier snowstorms are common on the East Coast, where nor’easters are a frequent sight in February. St. John’s averages a whopping 71 cm of snow in February, with a normal snowfall total of about 45 cm down in Halifax.

Snowbirds and vacationers beware, though—February is historically the snowiest month of the year for major destinations like Washington, D.C., and New York City. The Interstate 95 corridor often sees the season's biggest thumps of snow this time of year as powerful nor’easters roar up the eastern seaboard, which can cause extensive highway issues and flight delays.

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February Sunlight Gain Canada

Want an extra glimmer of hope?

We quickly gain sunlight throughout the month of February, with daylight returning in leaps and bounds the farther north you are in Canada.

Toronto is on track to regain 1 hour and 15 minutes of daylight between the beginning and end of February, with an hour-and-a-half extra sunlight tacked onto the day farther north toward Winnipeg, Saskatoon, and Edmonton.

Header image submitted by Greg Bolger in St. John’s, Nfld.

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