Hopefully the lion will soon turn into a lamb!

I believe the whole country is talking about the cold. In fact I would suggest that most of North America has experienced more cold this year than in the previous 35. One of the coldest days recorded in Ontario happened on March 3, 2003. Then temperatures across the province dropped into the -25 to -30C.
Looking at our coldest temperatures, I have discovered that in January 24, 1990 we had a day where the temperature dropped to -43C. On February 22, 1998 we had a day where we suffered through a similar day reaching to -43C.
As I look at records, even our coldest day recorded for the Month of March happened on March 31, 1973 when our outdoor temperature dropped to -39C. Monday’s early morning temperature registered at -37C setting a new cold record for the day.
Looking around the area, in Kenora, the average winter temperature for December, January and February has been -18C. It isn’t the coldest year ever recorded.
The International Falls Journal has noted that it has recorded over 70 days from December through to March with temperatures -18C. It is not the coldest stretch in history, but comes close to nudging the average cold temperature that was recorded in 1978.
We are not alone wondering when someone will open the door on the freezer and let us warm up. From Calgary to Quebec City, Canadians are all looking out their windows wondering if their car will start, and will the school buses be running to get their children to school safely.
Towns and cities are discovering that even deeply buried water mains and household water lines are not impervious to this year’s cold spell. Frost has been discovered as deep as two meters and anyone who has had a record of having frozen water lines, are encouraged to let a tap run continuously. I commend the Fort Frances Town crews who are working to thaw lines in the harshest weather and who are braving the cold to repair water and sewer mains. Facing outside harsh weather conditions for the past three months to restore water and sewer to homes and businesses speaks highly of the crews’ dedication to the residents of our community.
It may seem like we have a great deal of snow on the ground, but in fact our totals this winter are on average for the year. The piles seem unusually high for this time of year because we have not experienced the normal January and February thaws that eat up the snow piles.
With more sunlight occurring daily and jumping to daylight saving time this Sunday, we can all hope that the lion of March will quickly turn to the lamb and we can shed our heavy boots and heavy warm over coats and relish the coming of spring.

–Jim Cumming,
Publisher