Signs of spring are blossoming in a big way.
And thanks to higher temperatures and a lack of snow this year, people in Innisfail have been cheerfully taking advantage of an early spring.
“March was quite warm. Some areas in the central part of the province were five degrees above normal and that's a significant departure,” said Dan Kulak, meteorologist with Environment Canada. “Much warmer than normal.”
For local outdoor enthusiasts the warmer temperatures and mild spring have been a welcome change.
“We probably don't usually start for another couple of weeks. Normally we're inside the Arena, but the weather's been so awesome that we decided to come outside today,” said Curtis Flewelling, mosquito director with Innisfail Minor Ball Association. “We haven't even been in the Arena (for practice) yet and we're already outside, so that's pretty exciting.”
Minor ball teams were not the only ones enjoying the summer-like temperatures on the first weekend of April.
Cheryl Ganje was also out enjoying the nice weather with her dog Asher.
“It's excellent weather. We have to take advantage of it when we can,” said Ganje.
Although Innisfail did not break any records for high temperatures over the weekend of April 2 and 3, the town did come close. Reports indicate that Innisfail reached a temperature of about 20 C on April 2. The record for that date is 23.5 C set in 1992.
“It's been quite warm for much of the winter. January was warm, February was warm and March was warm and really dry,” said Kulak, noting the low amounts of precipitation. “It has been quite dry as well.”
He said the month of March usually sees an average of 19 millimetres of precipitation (both melted snow and rain) with an average of 24.8 millimetres in April.
This year that number was considerably lower, said Kulak.
“March 2016 received 14.8 (millimetres across the Red Deer region). That's about 25 per cent below average,” he said, adding that although he could not confirm, it's believed the warmer temperatures and the lack of precipitation may be attributed to the El Nino weather pattern that has been felt by much of Canada this year.
As for the next few weeks, Albertans, including those here in Central Alberta, can expect to see much of the same.
“The monthly forecast that we have for early April through early May, which was issued last week, is suggesting a 60 per cent confidence level of above normal temperatures for the month period on average,” said Kulak.
“It's likely to be milder than normal in the month ahead.” [email protected]
Dan Kulak, Environment Canada meteorologist
"The monthly forecast that we have for early April through early May, which was issued last week, is suggesting a 60 per cent confidence level of above normal temperatures for the month period on average."
