Record Breaking March Break

Josh Pringle
Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Environment Canada suggests it's shaping up to be a record breaking March Break in the City of Ottawa.

The forecast high of 16 degrees today would break the record for warmest March 16th on record. The previous record of 12.5 degrees was set back in 1990.

Monday's high of 14.3 degrees broke the previous record for March 15th of 14.2 degrees, which was set in 1995.

Environment Canada Senior Climatologist David Phillips tells CFRA News the last 20 days in Ottawa have had high temperatures above the melting point.

Phillips says the average temperature in March has been five degrees above normal for this time of year.

With the arrival of spring set for Saturday afternoon, Phillips suggests not to bet against the return of flurries.

"In Ottawa, there have only been two years in 72 where you haven't had measurable snow after the first day of spring, " Phillips said. "The safe money would be to say that you haven't finished counting the snowflakes yet."