“Get ready for a weather rollercoaster this weekend as Arctic air makes its way south, bringing colder temperatures to regions that have been enjoying a mild start to spring. The setup for the upcoming days features a broad ridge of high pressure building over the Arctic latitudes, displacing cold air towards the south. As a result, the Far North will experience warmer-than-usual temperatures while the chill spreads southward.
Seasonal temperatures can change rapidly this time of year, and what might be considered below seasonal now is not as bone-chilling as it would be in the dead of winter. However, the shift in weather patterns will bring some surprises across the country.
### Arctic Chill Moving South
Average daytime highs for the third weekend in March typically range from the lower to mid-single digits for most of the country’s population centers. As normal highs start to climb out of sub-zero temperatures on the Prairies, Vancouver enjoys milder air with highs just above 10 degrees.
But a looming pattern flip will bring below-freezing daytime highs to the Prairies this weekend. Cities like Calgary and Winnipeg will experience temperatures well below zero in the afternoon, despite the sun shining relatively warmly in the skies over Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
### Regional Variations
On the West Coast, a touch of gloom will settle in on Saturday with clouds and rain expected to keep temperatures slightly below seasonal on Vancouver Island and the South Coast. Meanwhile, in the East, chilly air will move into the Great Lakes and Eastern Canada, bringing below-average temperatures. Even Windsor, Ontario, will struggle to climb above freezing, and cities like Montreal could see snow with temperatures nearly ten degrees cooler than usual.
As we navigate through this weekend’s weather anomalies, it’s important to stay informed and prepared for fluctuating conditions in different regions. The Arctic blast reminds us that winter is not quite ready to release its grip, even as spring begins to make its presence felt.
Whether you’re enjoying the warmer temperatures up north or bundling up against the cold down south, the unpredictable nature of weather serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of adapting to changing conditions. So stay safe, stay warm, and embrace the beauty of each season, no matter how unexpected it may be.”
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