Plenty of snow still on ground

It seems the weather is on everyone’s minds these days after the latest snowfall dropped another six cm (2.3 inches) of the white stuff here Monday.
Toss in winds gusts of 25 m.p.h. and it might feel as though spring won’t be making an appearance anytime soon.

Temperatures have been well below average, with Fort Frances typically seeing daytime highs above zero C (32 F) by now.
But since we also saw record highs at this time last year, the temperature difference is even more noticeable.
Where residents had pulled out their summer clothing in mid-March a year ago, enjoying temperatures of 26 (79), winter gear is still necessary this year as overnight lows are averaging close to minus-20 (four below zero).
And the amount of snow still on the ground in March is certainly the most in recent years.
According to Environment Canada, there is 56 cm (22 inches) of snow still on the ground here as of yesterday, where there was no snow left on the ground after March 14 last year.
By March 20, 2011, there was 20 cm (7.8 inches) of the white stuff on the ground.
On that same date in 2009, there was 17 cm (6.6 inches) of snow left and just five cm (1.9 inches) back in 2008.
Fortunately, at least according to The Weather Network, it does look like temperatures will start rising soon to begin melting the record pile of snow still hanging around.
The forecast for this weekend is calling for highs of one (34) both days while Easter weekend with see highs of five (41).
The rest of the month is expected to see highs above zero, with some sun, rain, and a few flurries on tap.
However, with 56 cm of snow to melt, many are hoping it won’t thaw too quickly.
The Town of Fort Frances already has issued warnings to remind residents to ensure their sump pumps are in proper working order due to the possible threat of flooded basements.
The town is also cautioning residents to avoid discharging the water on their property into the sanitary sewer system.
Meanwhile, AccuWeather and The Weather Network both are predicting spring temperatures in Rainy River District to be near normal, though with above average precipitation.
“Last year we had record-breaking temperatures in March between 20-30 degrees Celsius, but this year we are back to reality,” The Weather Network noted.
“[Expect] near-normal temperatures in north-central and Northwestern Ontario,” it added.
But it warned “wetter than normal conditions are likely for the southwestern fringe of Northwestern Ontario” this spring.