The Weather Network is out with its Spring Forecast, and it’s looking like above normal temperatures for most of Canada this year.

That is despite a brief, and quick, trip back down below zero in much of southern and eastern Ontario.

Toronto’s temperature reached 14C at noon on Wednesday, breaking a record of 11.1 degrees set on February 28th, 1954.

The cold snap will see things plunge significantly throughout the afternoon, to a low of -6C this evening, before rebounding on Friday and into the double-digits again on the weekend.

A shift from El Niño to La Niña as the primary influence on global weather patterns, occurring during a traditionally turbulent season, suggests that the upcoming season will lack stability. So, forecasters say we can expect some ups and downs.

The Weather Network says the good news is that the mild winter and lack of snow will decrease some worries about spring flooding, but areas with a drier-than-normal winter may face an early start to the wildfire season.

In terms of precipitation, while March is expected to bring about wet and stormy conditions, there are early indications pointing towards a shift to drier weather across significant portions of the nation as we approach the summer months.

While Ontarians can enjoy a mild Spring, forecasters say they will also see periods of colder-than-normal temperatures and a risk for significant late-winter-like weather.

The mild winter followed by an early spring means that spring vegetation, including blossoms, etc., should come out ahead of schedule. Unfortunately, though, a warm spring does not eliminate the risk of late-season shots of cold weather. Therefore, there is a significant risk for a late-season frost or freeze after the start of the growing season.

While an active pattern is expected during March, meteorologists say they are concerned about the potential for increasingly dry conditions to develop during the second half of the season.