Sunny weather provides much relief amid extremely gloomy winter

After weeks of grey and gloomy weather, the sun has finally returned, and people across the region stepped outside on Sunday to enjoy the warmer weather.

Bright skies over Burlington brought families out of hibernation.

Sun-starved people and their pets were out and about at Spencer Smith Park, enjoying a much-needed break from the winter blues.

“It’s been cloudy for almost two months, you get depressed, you don’t feel like going out, you’re not motivated.”

Siblings passed a soccer ball, friends filled picnic benches, and toddlers took a ride.

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Over in Hamilton, clear conditions were the perfect backdrop for ice skating.

The Waterdown skating loop was packed with people soaking in the sunshine and taking full advantage of the beautiful weather.

The sunny weather is a stark contrast from the snow and rain we’ve endured this season.

“We had a bit of a cold freeze and a lot of snow and now it’s nice to have warm weather but still be able to come out and enjoy winter activities,” one skater said.

The sunny stint might be a temporary reprieve, but it’s a little too early to pack away winter jackets.

“February to May, we average 76 centimeters of snow over that time which is about 18 inches of snow. So, we still could say winter is not gone yet.” Weather Specialist Steve Ruddick said.