Meteorologists predict that an El Nino weather phenomenon will have a varying impact on temperatures and weather patterns across Canada this winter. According to the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), El Nino is a weather pattern that pushes warm water back east towards the west coast of the Americas.
As winter approaches, experts are expecting a significant impact on wintertime weather in Canada. However, the specific impact of El Nino will vary depending on the region of the country.
The Weather Network’s report published on November 29 explains that El Nino typically results in milder winters for many parts of Canada. However, this year’s winter may be different due to the expected “strongest El Nino event on record.”
While the normal effects of El Nino would mean mild winter weather across most of the country, Western Canada may experience typical El Nino impacts, while the eastern half of Canada could see more severe winter conditions than usual.
A general breakdown of how El Nino is expected to impact all 13 provinces and territories in Canada is provided in the report from The Weather Network. Specific details on the impact of El Nino on each region can be found in the full report.
In British Columbia, residents can expect above-normal temperatures, below-normal rain, below-normal snowfall, and more sunshine compared to typical winter weather. Alberta is also expected to experience above-normal temperatures and below-normal snow, with a relatively mild and dry pattern leading up to Christmas.
Saskatchewan and Manitoba should expect a milder-than-normal winter with less severe cold periods, along with a possible white Christmas and below-normal snowfall in certain regions. Quebec will have a generally mild start to winter but may see more snow developing around the holidays, moving into colder weather quickly in January.
Ontario will see a mild start to winter, below-normal snow leading up to Christmas and New Year, with more typical winter weather around the holidays and a colder pattern of weather in January. The Atlantic provinces are expected to have a near-normal winter with periods of mild and cold weather, with near-normal snow and rain.
Newfoundland and Labrador are expected to have a near-normal winter, fluctuating between milder and colder weather, and near-normal levels of rain. The three territories, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, are expected to experience milder-than-normal temperatures, but with the possibility of abnormally cold temperatures at some points.
Overall, while El Nino may bring milder winters to some parts of Canada, other regions may experience more severe weather than usual. For a complete breakdown of the expected impact of El Nino on specific cities and regions, the full report from The Weather Network can be referenced.
Still have some travel questions? Ask in our Travel WhatsApp Group.
