The delay in the appearance of spring is not a real shock in Northwestern Ontario. Copious amounts of snow in March are not unusual and another one foot (30 centimetres) after the Spring Equinox is typical. The hesitant spring conditions are entrenched over most of Ontario and the American Midwest.

A cold February set the stage for the current situation in Northwestern Ontario. The extent and thickness of ice formation were more than average. March is usually a winter month in spite of suggestions from our calendars. This year it featured near-average temperatures and less than average snow and rain. In effect, this has maintained the winter status-quo. The outlook for April suggests more of the same.

Both Environment Canada and the American National Weather Service are predicting warmer-than-normal for April/May/June. An abrupt change to balmy spring conditions is not uncommon but we have to bide our time for the actual numbers.

Hear more from our weather expert Graham Saunders: