Friday was the first official full day of spring but with temperatures well below normal, it’s not feeling like it.

Environment Canada meteorologist Natalie Hassell has the reason.

“Southern Manitoba is under the influence of a ridge of high pressure which is why our sky is so bright. That ridge of high pressure is what is keeping us in colder than normal temperatures for the moment.”

With a high of only minus 9 on our first day of spring, Hassell explains where the thermometer should be.

“The normal for this time of year is closer to zero or plus one. So, certainly, we are at temperatures well below normal.”

Hassell says the slightly closer to normal temperatures are coming if only for a short while. “This ridge of high pressure will move off and we will see an improvement by the time we get to Sunday, where we’re very close to normal in our forecast temperatures.”

Looking ahead to the next few weeks of spring, Hassell adds, “There is a slight suggestion that temperatures are going to be below normal overall.”