Buckle up, folks — Canada's official winter weather forecast just dropped, and winter 2024-25 is shaping up to be a season packed with frosty surprises and weather whiplash.
From coast to coast to coast, Canadians can expect a mix of snowstorms and icy temperatures mixed in with some unexpected warm spells, all thanks to a La Niña system stirring things up.
Whether you're a snow lover or just bracing for the chill, the new official winter seasonal outlook from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and the Farmers' Almanac's extended winter weather forecast has plenty to say about what's coming.
Let's break it down region by region, so you'll know exactly what to expect when you step outside this winter.
Western Canada: A wet, white, chilly mix
In B.C., expect an unseasonably wet winter with lots of rain in lower elevations but plenty of mountain snow — great news for ski enthusiasts. As the season progresses, normal to below-normal temperatures are likely to set in, especially in the Interior.
Across the Prairies, bundle up because it's going to get icy. The Farmers' Almanac predicts the coldest spell of the season will hit here during the final week of January, plunging temperatures sharply below seasonal norms.
Ontario & Quebec: Storm central
If you're in Ontario, get ready for a mix of snow and rain. According to the Farmers' Almanac, the Great Lakes region is gearing up for above-normal precipitation, meaning frequent storms and a messy mix of winter weather in Ontario.
Quebec, meanwhile, can expect more snow than rain this year. A major snowstorm is already on the radar for mid-February, per the Farmers' Almanac.
Atlantic Canada: 'Wet, mushy & slushy'
Newfoundland and Labrador are in for a wetter-than-usual winter, but with above-normal temperatures expected, much of that precipitation could fall as slush instead of snow.
Meanwhile, other parts of the Maritimes will see a mix of near- to above-normal temperatures with plenty of storm activity throughout the season.
Northern Canada: Cool, but milder than usual
Across the north, La Niña's cooling effect will be felt, but warming trends linked to climate change mean temperatures will likely hover near normal or slightly above normal, says ECCC. Snowfall should remain within seasonal averages, though there could be localized extremes as Arctic air pushes through.
What's driving this winter?
This winter's weather patterns are heavily influenced by La Niña, which ECCC explains happens when cooler-than-average sea temperatures in the Pacific drive more active storm tracks and colder conditions in parts of Canada. Climate change, however, continues to shape our winters, with warmer averages and more extreme weather events becoming the norm.
"Canada is warming at roughly double the global rate, and even more in the north, which leads to more frequent and intense extreme weather events," the federal agency says.
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Canada's official winter weather forecast is out and heavy snowstorms & icy chaos are coming
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