Spring in Alberta never really feels like a true spring.
While we haven’t seen much snow this winter until last week’s snowfall, I had accepted we probably wouldn’t get much more. I was already looking forward to warmer weather and being able to be outside as much as possible.
In the last month or so, I’ve interviewed multiple farmers about their outlook on what’s predicted to be another drought year, and all they really need is more snow and some spring rain.
The City of Airdrie recently released drought preparedness plans for 2024 that urge residents and local businesses to conserve water. If needed, we could see mandatory water restrictions being placed on the City of Airdrie and Rocky View County this year.
We all know we need the moisture, but it’s always a bit of a double edged sword when the late snowfall or spring rain does finally come.
Last year, even my farmer family complained after multiple dreary days of rain, despite the need for it.
Clearly, we all crave the sunshine and the opportunity of outdoor activities.
One of the farmers I interviewed recently said that complaining about not having any rain early last summer felt wrong as so many people were enjoying the long hot summer days.
However, we need to hope for more snow and a healthy amount of rain while looking at the bright side.
The first day of last week’s big snowfall, I saw so many friends heading out to the mountains to take advantage of the fresh powder on the ski hills. There are so many winter activities we can enjoy if it keeps snowing –think about snowshoeing, cross country skiing, sledding, snowboarding, skiing, skating, the list goes on.
While it’s easy to enjoy the snow, given the temperatures aren’t too low, spring rain can be a little bit harder to enjoy.
The only ones who I’ve seen truly enjoying the rain… are toddlers. So pray for rain and think about all the plants that will be able to grow because of it –all while pulling on your rubber boots and rain jacket and heading out to stomp through some puddles. I hope we all get to do that this spring.
