March kicks off with winter blast; warmer spring temps on the way

The GTA is getting walloped with a winter blast to start the new month, but long-term forecasts suggest spring-like temperatures are just around the corner.

It was a mild start to March early Monday morning, but temperatures will be free-falling throughout the day feeling like -18 with the windchill by the time the afternoon arrives.

680 NEWS meteorologist Jill Taylor says temperatures will drop even more overnight with a wind chill near -20 degrees.

But it’s not all bad news.

“This could very well be our last really cold week of winter,” says Taylor. “In the long, long range we may actually see our first 20 degree temperature as we work towards the end of March.”

Your Monday forecast courtesy of @citynatasha! pic.twitter.com/li0LMJ6R2f

— Breakfast Television (@breakfasttv) March 1, 2021

The Weather Network released their spring forecast and it predicts that Ontarians can look forward to a warmer spring compared to recent years.

The forecast suggests the province can still expect some winter blasts and periods of cold weather through March but the sustained winter temperatures won’t dominate the season like it has in recent years.

Chris Scott, chief meteorologist with The Weather Network, said provinces across the country can count on some sunny days to put a bounce in their step after a long winter.

“There’s going to be some challenges. We’re not out of the woods for winter, but we’ve certainly put the worst behind us and there’s some really nice days ahead,” said Scott.

The forecast predicts for an above normal precipitation for Ontario, but the province shouldn’t expect more than the usual amount of rainy days.