Sunny Days Ahead? – How to Make the Most of Spring's Warmth
It's been a long, grey winter, but it looks like the sun is finally peeking through. We're now looking at milder weather, and if we're lucky, many places in Southern Canada can expect temperatures to climb into the double digits over the next few days. A warm chinook wind might even give us an early taste of spring, but as always, we Canadians are a bit skeptical: will it really be sunny, or are we being fooled again? One thing's for sure: when the sun does come out, we need to soak it up for all it's worth.
From Winter Darkness to Spring Sunshine
After a long stretch of cloudy skies and little sun, many of us are craving light and warmth. Now, that warmth seems to be on its way, and in sheltered valleys, temperatures could even creep above ten degrees. It's typical that as soon as the sun gains a bit of strength, we rush outside to feel the heat on our faces. But don't be fooled—the March sun is stronger than you think. It's easy to forget how quickly you can get burned when you're finally basking in some rays after a long winter.
Don't Forget Sunscreen and Sunglasses
Yes, you read that right. Even though there's still a chill in the air, the spring sun is relentless on skin that hasn't seen light for months. Sunscreen should be your go-to accessory these next few days, especially if you're heading out for a hike or up to the mountains. There's still snow on the ground in many areas, and the reflection off the white snow dramatically intensifies UV radiation.
And what about your eyes? A good pair of sunglasses is worth their weight in gold right now. Not only do they cut the glare from snow and ice, but they also protect your eyes from damage caused by intense light. Plus, let's be honest, you'll look great. Dig out your best outdoor gear—it's time to enjoy the sun!
Sunset Spots You Won't Want to Miss
When the sun finally shows its face, the evenings become so much more beautiful. A clear spring evening with a sunset over the lake, the ocean, or the mountains can be pure magic. Here are a few ideas for places where the sunset truly puts on a show:
- Along the Waterfront: Head to a local park, a pier, or a spit of land and watch the sun slowly dip below the horizon.
- The Rocky Mountains: The peaks and valleys create dramatic shadows and paint the sky with incredible colours.
- Northern Canada: While we're getting closer to the midnight sun, for now you can still catch spectacular sunsets late into the evening.
No matter where you are, just make sure to set aside some time to pause and take it all in. These are exactly the moments we've been waiting for all winter long.
The Solar System and a Solar Eclipse
The sun isn't just important for our weather and our mood—it's also the centre of our solar system. Without it, life on Earth wouldn't exist. Every now and then, we get spectacular reminders of the sun's power, like during a solar eclipse. This year, we actually have a chance to witness a partial solar eclipse visible from parts of Canada. It happens when the moon slides between the Earth and the sun, creating an unusual sight in the sky. Keep an eye on the dates—and remember, never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection!
So, whether the sun graces us with its presence or stays hidden behind the clouds this week, it's good to know that spring is on its way. When the warmth finally arrives, we'll be ready—with sunscreen in the bag, sunglasses on, and our eyes fixed on the horizon. Enjoy these days, and don't forget to look up when the evening sun paints the sky in shades of red and gold.