March sets soggy record
We received 68 per cent more rain and snow than normal last month, according to stats from the weather office at the Southeast Fire Centre.
Snowfall for the month was nearly twice the average, and it was the wettest March in eight years. Measurable precipitation (0.2 millimeters or more) fell on a record breaking 25 days, breaking the old record of 21 set in 2003.
Forecaster Ron Lakeman says tiny amounts of precipitation were recorded on another three days, leaving only three days last month that were entirely dry.
“As is typical of a La Nina winter the local snowpack was very slow to met,” Lakeman added. “The snow free date for 2011 was March 19.”
Although it was cooler during the days, combined with milder than overnight lows, the average temperature for the month was very close to normal.
“The highlight for the month was the afternoon of the 31st when the temperature briefly climbed to 17 degrees,” Lakeman says.
The next warmest temperature for the month was 11.2 degrees on the 26th.
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