The Weather Network has released its annual forecast for the 2021-2022 winter season and the agency is forecasting a ‘come-and-go winter’ for most parts of the country.
The Weather Network’s National Winter Forecast Temperature 2021-2022. (CNW Group/Pelmorex Corp.)
“Canadians should be prepared for winter weather whiplash over the coming months,” said Chris Scott, Chief Meteorologist at The Weather Network. “A La Niña weather pattern in the Pacific Ocean will support an active storm track across southern Canada, leading to above-normal precipitation and snowfall for southern parts of B.C., Alberta, Ontario and Quebec. However, stretches of mild weather will seemingly wipe away winter at times, especially from southern Ontario to Newfoundland.”
The agency says temperatures are expected to average near to above normal across central and Eastern Canada, while temperatures across Western Canada will average below normal.
Farmer’s Almanac also dubbed its the forecast – “Frosty Flip-Flop” –and is anticipating a “yo-yo type of winter with notable polar coaster swings in temperatures.”
The Weather Network Winter Weather Forecast for 2021-2022
British Columbia
The Weather Network expects colder than normal temperatures to dominate the season, especially during January and February, and linger well into March.
The current stormy pattern is expected to continue across southern B.C. with above-normal precipitation which will bring an abundance of snow to the alpine regions, and at times significant snowfall across lower elevations as well, setting the stage for an extended ski season.
Temperature Outlook: Below normal
Precipitation Outlook: Above normal south; Near normal elsewhere.
Prairies
The agency predicts a snowy winter across the southern half of Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan while near normal snowfall is expected elsewhere.
Those in Prairies can expect a frigid winter, especially during January and February with sporadic periods of milder weather.
The agency says there is also a heightened risk for extended periods of severe cold. Blizzard conditions are also expected a few times as arctic air plunges south across the region.
Alberta
- Temperature Outlook: Below normal
- Precipitation Outlook: Above normal south; Near normal elsewhere.
Saskatchewan
- Temperature Outlook: Below normal
- Precipitation Outlook: Above normal southwest; Near normal elsewhere.
Manitoba
- Temperature Outlook: Below normal except near normal far north.
- Precipitation Outlook: Near normal
Ontario and Quebec
Weather Network expects a ‘come and go’ winter with periods of stormy winter weather, followed by extended periods of mild weather, including a prolonged thaw for southern areas. An active storm track will bring an abundance of snow to much of the region, but many storm systems will bring a messy mix of snow, ice and rain, especially across southern areas.
The agency also says while December brings a period of traditional early winter weather, the heart of the season will lack persistent severe cold.
Ontario
- Temperature Outlook: Above normal south; Near normal most of north, but below normal far west.
- Precipitation Outlook: Near normal northwest; Above normal elsewhere
Quebec
- Temperature Outlook: Above normal
- Precipitation Outlook: Above normal, but near normal for north and east.
Atlantic Canada
According to the Weather Network, a mild pattern is expected to dominate across the region this winter with above normal temperatures overall, especially during January and February.
The Weather Network’s forecast calls for near-normal precipitation, but parts of the Maritimes could see below-normal snowfall totals as many systems will bring a mix of snow, ice and rain to the region.
- Temperature Outlook: Above normal.
- Precipitation Outlook: Near normal.
Northern Canada – Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut
A colder than normal winter is expected across most of the Yukon and the southwestern half of the Northwest Territories. Near normal precipitation totals are expected across the region with above-normal temperatures for eastern Nunavut (including Iqaluit) with near-normal temperatures for the eastern N.W.T. and western Nunavut.
- Temperature Outlook: Below normal Yukon and southwestern NWT; Above normal eastern Nunavut; Near normal elsewhere.
- Precipitation Outlook: Near Normal