Banff 
The Farmer’s Almanac has released the 2024 long-range winter weather forecast and is predicting a return to traditional weather for winter 2023-2024.
Credit: Farmers’ Almanac
Dubbing the forecast “The Brrr is Back,” Farmers’ Almanac says Canadians can “get ready to enjoy hot chocolate by the fireside, skiing, ice skating, and all things winter! ”
The Almanac predicts that much of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and westernmost Ontario will face very cold temperatures. Newfoundland and Labrador will also experience icy conditions, though not as intense as the middle regions of the country. Only British Columbia is forecast to witness near-normal temperatures throughout the season.
The Great Lakes region is expected to receive the most snow, with significant wintry precipitation in both coastal areas. British Columbia is predicted to have a wet, white winter, with temperatures fluctuating around the freezing mark.
The forecast also includes several winter weather advisories:
- A mix of rain, sleet, and snow over the Pacific Coast, Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes during the second week of January.
- Heavy mountain snow over the Rockies and Prairies in the first week of February.
- A coastal storm in Quebec and the Maritimes during the second week of February, followed by frigid air.
- Stormy conditions nationwide in late March, with a possible white Easter Sunday for southern Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada.
The outlook for the upcoming winter hints at strengthening El Niño conditions, which should lead to more moisture and storms in the southern regions.
“After a weird and warm winter season last year, this winter should make cold weather fans rejoice—especially for those who live in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and westernmost Ontario,” said Farmers’ Almanac editor Pete Geiger in a news release.
“According to our extended weather forecast, these regions will be the coldest, however, much of the country will see more traditional winter-like temperatures. Only British Columbia will see near-normal temperatures throughout the winter season.”
The fading of La Niña was cited as a reason for the warmer winter the previous year, while the strengthening El Niño suggests more storms and moisture in the south for 2023-24.
The forecasting methods utilized by the Farmers’ Almanac take into account a variety of factors, including sunspot activity, tidal action of the Moon, and atmospheric phenomena such as El Niño.
