Western Canada's Spring Weather Forecast Is Out & You Can Blame La Niña For How It Looks

Western Canada's spring weather forecast is out, and you can blame La Niña for the delay in warmer weather.

B.C. and Alberta are getting a delayed spring with colder-than-normal temperatures. Don't pull out the swimsuits and flip-flops just yet, because warmer days are still a ways away for the West Coast of Canada.

Chilly air and colder-than-usual temperatures are set for western Canada leading into March, according to an AccuWeather report.

A La Niña phase occurs every few years and "has significant implications on the weather themes for the coming season," according to AccuWeather.

The weather phenomenon happens when water temperatures drop below average near the equator in the Pacific Ocean — causing a southward dip in the jet stream and "waves of chilly air to linger" along the west coast of North America, says the report.

With La Niña hanging around, spring hasn't sprung just yet and isn't expected to do so until later this year.

Usually, March weather in Vancouver is starting to get more comfortable, with temperatures around 10 degrees Celsius. By the end of May, temperatures can usually get up to 19-21 C, according to the report.

This year is looking different though, with averages coming down a degree or two.

You can also expect some rain with the chilly weather. The report said that there will be "a surplus of precipitation compared to normal," in parts of B.C. and up into the Rockies.

This might be good news for those of you that are skiers and snowboarders though — it might be time to get excited about the nice and long ski season.

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.