Mild March ahead as Sask. leaves behind cold February

People in Saskatchewan might be glad it’s finally time to leave February in the rear-view mirror.

Environment Canada’s David Phillips said last month was the coldest February in the province in 18 years.

He said there were 22 days where the temperature dropped below – 20 C, compared to the average of 10 days. There were also nine days where the temperature was below – 30 C, with the average being two days for that type of extremely cold weather.

“There was nothing good about February at all,” Phillips told the 980 CJME Morning Show. “I think you guys can clearly change that calendar, say goodbye to February, it was absolutely brutal.”

He said December and January were milder than normal but November and February were frigid.

Saskatchewanians can usually expect wintry weather for March before getting the relief of spring, but that could change a bit this year. Phillips said Environment Canada forecasts indicate March is going to be warmer than normal.

“I don’t think we’re going to see a return to the real brutal polar-vortex kind of weather.”

While there is some precipitation in the forecast, overall it doesn’t appear there will be a lot on its way into the province.

He said even the summer appears to be warmer than normal.