B.C. experiencing a slow spring amid weather ‘polarization’

Spring in B.C. is off to a slow start, but forecasters and farmers are keeping an eye on the skies with sunshine and a spike in temperatures predicted next week.

We can expect more quick flips as B.C.’s climate changes, say meteorologists, as precipitation becomes more polarized between two seasons.

“Not to say we don’t have four seasons, of course we do,” explained Environment Canada meteorologist Armel Castellan, “but climate change is bringing us more extremes.”

Recent examples include last summer when drought persisted long into the fall before switching quickly to winter and a December deep freeze. In some ways, the long, sunny fall made up for a long, wet spring that delayed the start of summer.

“It’s too much, or too little, more often,” said Castellan, summarizing the more intense and frequent extreme weather patterns scientists believe are linked to climate change.