Iqaluit, NU (Apr 02/03) - Could it be spring at last?

Although it's been a warmer than usual winter the flowers are not blooming yet. Regardless, there appears to be clear signs that summer weather is just around the corner.

Manager of the Taloyoak Hunters and Trappers Association, David Irqiut, said when he sees the snow melting it means spring is in full swing.

"I guess when the snow starts melting or when you see the ice dripping that's probably our first sign," explained Irqiut.

For Isaac Kalluk, chair of the Resolute Bay Hunters and Trappers Association, he's already feeling the effects of spring. He said that has a lot to do with the increased hours of daylight. He said when the sun comes back, he knows warmer times are on the way.

"It's just getting a little warmer now. We are starting to feel the heat from the sun a little bit," said Kalluk.

He said Resolute already had its second sport hunt of the spring season -- another clear indicator that balmier weather is on the way.

Joeli Qamanirq, the chair of "Nunavut Quest" -- the territory's largest dog team race -- said he's noticing a lot more people heading outdoors.

"People are going out more, especially the hunters onto the land," said Qamanirq.

He added that some Grade 7, 8 and 9 classes are already going out onto the land for overnight trips.

More light, more people and more sun; what more can we ask for except summer of course?

Unfortunately, the news coming out of the Arctic Weather Centre in Edmonton is that spring may take a little longer than usual to arrive this year.

According to meteorologist Lynda Schuler, Nunavummiat can expect less than normal temperatures for the rest of the month except for the extreme Northern end of Baffin Island to Grise Fiord, where it will be a little warmer. The mean average temperature for Iqaluit during April is -13 C, but Schuler said people should expect it to be a few degrees colder than normal for most of Nunavut.

"You're probably looking at May when things begin looking normal," said Schuler.