Thaw

Canadian Slang

Definition

A warm spell or late‑winter/early‑spring melt when accumulated snow and ice soften and break up, often causing slushy, muddy conditions.

Examples

"After that deep freeze, this week’s thaw has turned the sidewalks to slush and the back lanes to mud."

"We hit a late‑February thaw, and now the snowbanks are collapsing and the storm drains are gushing."

"Better grab the rubber boots—during the thaw the trails turn into a sloppy mess."