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Quick Spring
Thu Apr 21, 2005
Listen in RealAudio 
Canada's usual image is of a nation covered with ice and snow lasting well into the
year. But on its West Coast, the climate differs dramatically from that, particularly in
Vancouver Island's main city, Victoria.
Hi, I'm Bryan Yeaton and this is The Weather Notebook.
While most of Canada experiences a slow unfolding of Spring, Victoria jumps in
quickly.
Victoria is known as Canada's Garden City for good reason. The moderating
influences of the Pacific Ocean keep the city generally snow-free, and mostly frost-free,
all winter.
Given a short, mild winter, Victoria has a "Quick Spring." Frost only touches the surface,
not penetrating deeply into the soil. With mild air flowing off surrounding waters and
strengthening sunlight, Victoria's February daily air temperatures rise above the 40F
threshold temperature critical for plant growth.
After Groundhog Day, the first shoots and blossoms begin emerging. Flower gardens
burst forth, tree buds swell, pregnant with flower or leaf. Initially, the outbreak is
confined to the near-shore neighborhoods and south-facing slopes but by March
covers all the district.
Victoria's most striking Spring signs are the streets and avenues lined with blooming
cherry trees. By mid-February, cherry blossoms burst out like a tidal wave rising first
along the southern shoreline. The progression then floods north and inland as street
after street becomes lined with cherry blossoms.
By March's end, when most of Canada is finally awakening from winter, Victoria's
gutters fill with "Victoria Snow" – white and pink petals fallen to earth forming miniature
drifts.
Thanks to contributing writer Keith Heidorn of Victoria. The Weather Notebook is a
production of the Mount Washington Observatory and is supported by the National
Science Foundation.
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