B.C.: temperature records broken this week

Temperature records across B.C. fell on Tuesday, the final full day of winter.

New highs were set in the Vancouver, White Rock, Chilliwack, Pitt Meadows, Squamish and Whistler areas among many others.

Abbotsford actually eclipsed its previous high of 20 degrees set in 1960 when the thermometer hit 24.5 degrees, making it the hottest spot in Canada for a time on Tuesday.

So what can we expect from spring, which officially arrives this afternoon?

“On the heels of what was a record-setting winter season with the coldest-ever February ever in Metro Vancouver, we’re already getting a sample of the potential change in our overall weather pattern heading into spring,” says Meteorologist Russ Lacate.

Vancouver broke its 1947 record of 13.9 degrees by reaching 15.4 during the day. Chilliwack broke its 1928 record hitting 24 on the thermometer.

“Spring forecast maps we’ve been following for the past couple of months, they’re still trending significantly drier and warmer,” Lacate adds. “Expectations are that after a long and drawn-out west coast winter, the weather will shift dramatically towards the sunnier and milder side of the scale. Sunshine hours and temperatures skewing above average for the following few months, while rainfall totals dip below normal for April, May and June. Chances are, we’re in for an unusually dry spring.”

The vernal or spring equinox officially arrives on the west coast at 2:58 p.m. Pacific Time.