Expect cooler temperatures to continue for at least the first couple of weeks of March, according to a spring forecast recently released by Environment Canada.

But Environment Canada Meteorologist Brian Proctor says we'll see temperatures gradually start to moderate after that, according to data for March, April and May that was released Wednesday morning.

And that's good news as we emerge from a February that was about eight degrees colder than normal.

"It was a very, very cold February," Proctor points out. "The last time we saw temperatures that cold for the month of February, I think was 1949 for the Calgary Airport. So it's been many, many years since we've seen a February this cold."

Proctor says our mean temperature in February was minus 13.4 degrees Celsius, not including data from February 28th, compared to the normal of minus 5.4 Celsius.

As for precipitation, he says we can expect normal spring amounts and cautions Foothills residents to keep in mind that our area is often hit with heavy spring snowfall. He says that's good news for farmers and ranchers, who rely on the moisture to carry them through the dry summer season.

"As we get into this time of year, we're all awaiting spring with bated breath," Proctor says. "But, the thing to remember is, for Foothills communities especially and in Alberta, we often see heavy snowfall as we move into spring. So, continue to be aware of what's happening, continue to listen for updated forecasts and warnings and just be prepared to experience snowfall because we're going to likely get some significant storms still, over the next two months."

Proctor says some significant cold air will follow a system bringing snow to our area at the end of the week, with below-zero daytime highs currently forecast for this weekend.
 
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