Spring could struggle to take hold in eastern Ontario, seasonal forecast suggests

People walk a dog as snow melts along a path in Ottawa. (CTV News Ottawa)

The Weather Network has released its 2025 spring forecast, with a prediction that winter isn’t fully over yet in our region.

It’s been a typical Canadian winter in eastern Ontario, with low temperatures and plenty of snow in January and February, but while we’ve seen a few warmer days in March, The Weather Network says April might see a few more wintry days.

“While we have been teased by spring, the warmer weather will lack commitment through the first half of April and a few parting punches from winter are still possible. This will help to extend the spring ski season,” the forecast for Ontario and Quebec says.

Spring officially arrives at 5:01 a.m. Thursday, March 20.

Forecasters expect spring to finally take hold in May, with higher than normal temperatures.

It could also be rainier than usual this spring.

“Above normal precipitation totals are expected, especially through April, and this could cause delays in the start of the spring planting season. However, the risk for frost damage to blossoms appears to be lower than normal,” the forecast says.

Above-normal precipitation is expected in eastern and southern Ontario, in particular.

“La Niña is fading and the back of winter has been broken, but that does not mean that we are completely finished with winter weather just yet,” said Chris Scott, Chief Meteorologist with The Weather Network. “We do not have a strong El Niño or La Niña event this year, so that should allow for a typical spring across most of Canada. However, we need to remember that spring in Canada is a volatile season that rarely takes us on a direct path from winter to summer. Changeable temperatures are normal and that usually includes some late winter-like weather at times.”

Environment Canada’s seasonal forecast for eastern Ontario shows a low chance that temperatures will be below normal in March, April and May, with mixed odds on precipitation, slightly favouring above-average levels.