St. Paddy's day sunshine takes the party outdoors
Residents gather at outdoor patios and on the golf course to celebrate
Warmer than seasonal St. Patrick's Day temperatures brought many Calgarians out to soak up some sun and spirits amid the looming return of winter-like conditions.
The late winter warmth was brought on by a warm Pacific air mass that has moved over the region, said Environment Canada meteorologist Matthew Bianchi.
Seasonal averages are a high of 5 C and low of -7 C, so Calgary is quite above seasonal temperatures with both Sunday and Monday forecasted at 16 C, Bianchi said.
However, “I wouldn't put away the winter coats, I would not put away the boots just quite yet,” he advised.
Monday and Tuesday will continue to be above seasonal he said, but over Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning there will be a shift to cooler air caused by a system moving in from British Columbia.
Tuesday has a forecasted high of 4 C, followed by -3 C on Wednesday and -10 C on Thursday.
With that cooler air, there may be snow and Bianchi said 10 centimetres could fall over Wednesday and Thursday.
“You can definitely expect quite the swings this time of year of temperature and precipitation type,” he said.
The highest temperatures ever recorded for both March 17 and 18 were 18 C, Bianchi said, but if both days hit 16 C this year they will be in the top five warmest.
And Calgarians took advantage of the warm weather.
Patio-goers crowded several restaurants and bars along 17th Ave S.W. on Sunday, and friends Kathryn, Caroline and Lindsay were among the crowd that filled the patio at Trolley 5 Brewpub.
The three wore the appropriate green attire for St. Patrick's Day, hats and all. They were out celebrating Kathryn's niece who'd won a soccer game, but “drove downtown looking for green,” said Kathryn.
“We know there's a little blip (in the weather) coming this week, it's supposed to get colder, but hopefully this is here to stay,” Kathryn said. The three were starting the afternoon off with mimosas, but the plan was to order green beer later.
Also sat at the Trolley 5 patio, Chance Dicksen was enjoying a drink with his friend.
“To feel the crowd, sit in the sunshine, have a cold beer on the patio, it's been nice,” he said.
We know there's a little blip (in the weather) coming this week, it's supposed to get colder, but hopefully this is here to stay.
Zack Wilson was one of many golfers who were out to enjoy the weather at Fox Hollow Golf Course in northeast Calgary on Sunday. The course was fully booked most of the day, despite only 16 holes being open with temporary greens.
“We won't get the full golf experience, but just to see the balls fly through the air rather than in front of a screen is nice,” said Wilson.
The grass wasn't at its greenest, and conditions were a bit wet, but Wilson said it wasn't a bother to
I'll take hitting off scrappy grass any time before hitting on any (simulator) or mat or driving range. Just get me out here in the sun.
him and his three friends.
Dylan Macisaac was at Fox Hollow with his friend Harry, both of whom were happy to be out earlier than usual, which is normally early April.
“I haven't been out this early since a few years ago, I think,” Macisaac said. “If there's an opportunity, I will absolutely take it.
“I'll take hitting off scrappy grass any time before hitting on any (simulator) or mat or driving range. Just get me out here in the sun.”