Ontario's spring forecast for 2026 has arrived and here's what you can expect

After a winter marked by record-breaking snowfall and consistent bursts of Arctic air across southern Ontario, you might be counting down the days until the snowbanks on your street melt and signs of spring finally emerge. 

Luckily, The Old Farmer's Almanac has released its Spring 2026 Weather Forecast, and it looks like long-awaited relief from the deep freeze is finally on the horizon for much of the region. 

According to the Almanac's long-range weather forecast, March is shaping up to be a mild month in southern Ontario, with periods of precipitation. During the week of March 1 to March 6, we can expect mild temperatures, coupled with flurries. 

From March 7 to 14, cold temperatures will sweep in, along with some showers, but relief will come on the week of March 15 to 19, when we'll finally see some extended sunshine and mild temperatures. 

The forecast predicts more periods of rain and snow, along with warm temperatures from March 20 to 31. Overall, the monthly precipitation total is estimated to be around 55 mm, which is 25 below average in the eastern part of the region, and 25 mm above average in the west. 

Looking ahead, April and May are set to bring cooler-than-normal temperatures for most of the country, including Ontario. Although much of the country will also experience more precipitation than normal, certain areas will see more dry conditions, including the heart of Canada and southeastern Ontario (above the Great Lakes). 

Canada's spring 2026 weather forecast. Source: Almanac. 

Based on the Almanac's map, the GTA will fall into the "cool and dry" category for spring, while the majority of northern Ontario falls into the "cool and wet" zone. 

Overall, we can expect the weather to be cooler than normal, with above-normal precipitation in the north and below-normal precipitation in the south. In April, we should still see some rain and snow, with scattered thunderstorms in May.

Other forecasts, including Environment and Climate Change Canada's (ECCC) three-month outlook for February to April, paint a more complex picture. 

Based on this outlook, Ontario is just as likely to see above- or below-normal temperatures during this period. While some regions in the province are expected to see hotter-than-usual conditions (northern and western Ontario), other communities, especially in central and eastern Ontario, are more likely to experience near-normal temperatures. 

No matter how the forecast actually plays out, rest assured that the days of bone-chilling, minus-teen wind chills are almost behind us as spring gradually approaches.