Centuries-Old Weather Forecaster Predicts Extended Winter Conditions for Canadian Spring
Canadians eagerly awaiting spring's arrival to rescue them from relentless winter shoveling may need to brace themselves for a prolonged cold season. According to the latest long-range forecast from the Old Farmer's Almanac, winter appears determined to overstay its welcome across much of the country.
Cooler-Than-Normal Temperatures Expected Nationwide
The venerable weather publication, known for its seasonal predictions, indicates that April and May will bring "cooler-than-normal temperatures" to most Canadian regions. This forecast comes as particularly unwelcome news following a winter that has already delivered significant snowstorms and freezing conditions throughout 2026.
Major population centers including British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec should prepare for an unseasonably chilly spring transition. The Maritimes are also included in this widespread cooling trend that threatens to make spring feel more like a cold, damp extension of winter rather than a warm reprieve.
Widespread Precipitation Adds to Gloomy Outlook
The Almanac's prediction doesn't stop at temperature concerns. The publication warns that "much of the country will also be wetter than usual" during the spring months, creating conditions ripe for slushy landscapes and persistently grey skies.
Specific regions facing above-normal precipitation include:
- The western Prairies through British Columbia
- The Yukon and Northwest Territories
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Southeastern Quebec
Regional Variations in the Forecast
While most of Canada faces a chilly, wet spring, some areas may experience more moderate conditions. The Almanac notes that precipitation is expected to be below normal in specific regions including parts of the eastern Prairies, areas north of the Great Lakes in Ontario, and western sections of Atlantic Canada encompassing Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.
Temperature-wise, not every region faces uniformly cold conditions. The Yukon Territory and southern Prairies are forecast to experience seasonal to warmer-than-normal temperatures, providing some relief from the broader cooling trend.
Particularly Grim Outlook for Southern Ontario
The forecast delivers especially sobering news for southern Ontario, Canada's most densely populated region that's still recovering from record-breaking snowfall. The Almanac predicts cooler-than-normal weather with above-normal precipitation in northern areas and below-normal precipitation in southern sections.
Residents should anticipate rain and snow in April, followed by scattered thunderstorms in May. This prediction lands with particular impact in Toronto, where a historic snowstorm recently buried parts of the city under more than 50 centimetres of snow in a single day.
Record-Breaking Winter Sets Stage for Extended Cold
The spring forecast follows an already remarkable winter season. Environment Canada reported that Toronto's city centre received an estimated 56 centimetres of snow during a single storm, while Pearson International Airport recorded 46 centimetres - marking the highest daily snowfall total ever recorded at that location.
Even more striking, January's total snowfall reached 88.2 centimetres, representing the highest accumulation since official records began in 1937. These extraordinary winter conditions provide context for why the Almanac's spring forecast suggests winter may be reluctant to release its grip on the country.
As Canadians navigate what promises to be an extended period of winter-like weather, the Old Farmer's Almanac serves as a reminder that spring's arrival on the calendar doesn't necessarily guarantee spring-like conditions across the nation.
