The Weather Network has released its winter forecast with a look ahead to what we can expect during December, January, and February.
National Temperatures (CNW Group/Pelmorex Corp.)
The Weather Network’s winter forecast for Canada indicates a departure from typical El Niño patterns, suggesting a unique season ahead. Despite El Niño’s reputation for milder Canadian winters, this year’s unusual oceanic temperatures in the Pacific may result in unexpected weather developments.
The season is expected to begin mildly, with a delayed onset of consistent cold for most Canadians. However, January and February could see a dramatic shift, particularly in eastern Canada, contradicting the usual milder winters associated with El Niño.
Early Winter Pattern (CNW Group/Pelmorex Corp.)
El Niño, characterized by warmer ocean temperatures in the Pacific’s tropical region, influences the global jet stream pattern, affecting weather worldwide.
“The current El Niño event and ocean water temperatures across the Pacific Ocean are giving us a pattern that is unlike anything that we have ever seen before,” said Chris Scott, Chief Meteorologist at The Weather Network in a news release.
“Therefore, we believe that the upcoming season will deliver some curveballs that will set this winter apart from typical El Niño winters. While mild temperatures should continue to dominate across western Canada, it appears to be a different story for the eastern half of Canada where winter is expected to make more than just a token appearance.”
British Columbia
The Weather Network says British Columbia is poised for a typical El Niño pattern, with mild Pacific air and fewer arctic outbreaks, leading to a drier winter. The south coast, in particular, is expected to witness below-normal snowfall but more sunshine, with occasional heavy rainfall due to Pineapple Express events.
- Temperature Outlook: Above normal
- Precipitation Outlook: Below normal; Near normal south coast and far north
Prairies
The Prairies are gearing up for a milder winter, especially in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Some areas might miss the traditional white Christmas due to below-normal snowfall. However, Manitoba should see more standard winter conditions, with snow totals near normal.
Alberta
- Temperature Outlook: Above normal
- Precipitation Outlook: Below normal
Saskatchewan
- Temperature Outlook: Above normal
- Precipitation Outlook: Below normal; Near normal east
Manitoba
- Temperature Outlook: Above normal
- Precipitation Outlook: Near normal
Ontario and Quebec
In Ontario and Quebec, the onset of winter will be mild, with less snow initially, but a shift in patterns could bring much colder weather later in the season, says the Weather Network. The overall snowfall is predicted to be below normal unless the storm track moves far enough north to affect southern areas.
Ontario
- Temperature Outlook: Below normal; Near normal northwest and far southeast
- Precipitation Outlook: Above normal; Below normal northwest
Quebec
- Temperature Outlook: Near normal; Above normal west
- Precipitation Outlook: Near normal south, east & north; Near normal west & central
Atlantic Canada
Atlantic Canada’s winter is projected to be changeable but generally normal, with mild and cold periods balancing out. The storm track in the southern and eastern U.S. may lead to more snow and rain in this region.
- Temperature Outlook: Near normal
- Precipitation Outlook: Near normal; Above normal southern Maritimes and southeastern tip of Newfoundland
Northern Canada
Northern Canada should see milder temperatures, but areas like Yukon might experience cold spells. The potential for parts of the polar vortex over northern Hudson Bay and Baffin Island raises the possibility of colder temperatures in those areas later in the winter.
- Temperature Outlook: Above normal; Near normal most of Yukon & Baffin Island
- Precipitation Outlook: Near normal
The Weather Network advises Canadians to stay vigilant, as winter weather can rapidly change, posing travel risks. For up-to-date forecasts, Canadians are encouraged to visit The Weather Network’s website or use its app.