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from The weather network...

Quote:2007 Spring OutlookFor immediate release

A Slow Warm Up to Spring for Most of the Country

Oakville, ON, March 1, 2007. Winter began with mild conditions, but transitioned to near or below seasonal values by mid winter. Below normal temperatures will continue to dominate the country for the spring. Canadians hoping for warmer temperatures in early spring will have to wait a while longer.

The latest reports are indicating a cooling trend of the equatorial sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. If the cooling trend continues, it will lead to a weakening of the current El Nino. As a result of the weakening El Nino, there will be an increase in westerly and northwesterly low level winds across Canada. These winds will allow cold arctic air to penetrate into southern parts of the country, which will keep temperatures at or below normal for the next several months.

Following is a look at what Canadians can expect this spring:

Much of British Columbia can expect near normal precipitation this spring with the exception of northern coastal regions where wetter than normal conditions will dominate. Temperatures are expected to be near normal for northern and southern regions of the province with central portions of the province experiencing below normal temperatures.
Near normal precipitation will dominate the Prairie provinces, however, Northern Manitoba can expect below normal precipitation while southern areas of the province can expect above normal precipitation.
The majority of Ontario will see below normal temperatures and near normal precipitation this spring with the exception of northwestern parts of the province where above normal precipitation is expected.
Below normal temperatures will dominate the province of Quebec. Most of the province can expect near normal precipitation with the exception of extreme northern areas of the province where precipitation is expected to be below normal.
Most of the Atlantic provinces can expect near normal temperatures with the exception of Labrador where below normal temperatures will dominate. New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island can look forward to near normal precipitation this spring. Nova Scotia and parts of Newfoundland and Labrador can expect above normal precipitation.

Watch The Weather Network on cable and satellite services beginning March 1st for spring forecast reports including national temperature and precipitation maps or visit theweathernetwork.com.