Climatologist sympathetic as April snowstorm prolongs winter weather

Saskatchewan’s population is used to wild swings in weather, but the aftershocks of winter this year have been hard to take.

David Phillips, Environment Canada’s senior climatologist, joined John Gormley on Wednesday. While snow is not uncommon in April, Phillips said people in this province are just worn out by the duration of winter weather.

“March was just a brutal month,” said Phillips.

“You thought that winter would be over, and then it was one of the coldest Marches on record. I go back 72 years and I’ve never seen a March and early April that has been as cold as what we saw this year. That always wears you down.”

While this week’s snowstorm should bring winter weather to an end, Phillips said Saskatchewan residents will need to show a bit of patience before they can bring out the shorts and T-shirts.

“We want it to warm up,” the climatologist said. “The models seem to suggest it’s a little slow coming, but I think May and into June look warmer than normal across the province.”

He added that cooler temperatures following a heavy snowfall are not necessarily a bad thing, as a slower melt will help drought-stricken areas better absorb the extra moisture.

“You don’t want to go from slush to sweat,” Phillips said.

“(Water) can’t percolate into the ground. It’s still frozen. You’ll get that issue of high water levels, and that will create flooding in some areas. If we can slow it down and get it rid of it gradually, that would be the best.”

The storm is expected to taper off Thursday, with double-digit temperatures returning by the weekend.

The full interview with Phillips can be heard here.