OAKVILLE – Snow and below zero temperatures have come early for much of Canada, and it looks like the cold snap is a preview of what’s on the horizon this winter, according to The Weather Network/MétéoMédia.
"This fall has featured several rounds of historic winter-like weather from the Rockies to the St. Lawrence Valley," said Chris Scott, chief meteorologist, in a press release. "While cold weather hasn't locked in yet, all indications point toward a harsh winter ahead for much of the country with periods of severe cold and significant winter storms."
The only regions where temperatures are expected to tip to the mild side of normal are near the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines. Here's a more detailed look at the conditions expected in Canada’s regions.
British Columbia: Near seasonal temperatures and snowfall are expected for the interior, but temperatures should be above normal near the coastline and across the north. Rainfall totals are expected to be slightly below normal for the south coast, but near normal snowfall is expected for the ski areas.
Prairies: A long and frigid winter is expected, with the coldest weather across Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Alberta will see periods of mild weather which could come close to offsetting the bouts of severe cold. Near normal snowfall is expected across most of the region.
Ontario and Quebec: A cold winter is expected, especially across northern Ontario. An active storm track will likely bring above normal snow totals to much of the region, along with a risk for ice at times, especially across the south. A delayed start to spring is also anticipated.
Atlantic Canada: An inconsistent start to winter is expected, but this region will still see an abundance of winter weather with near to above normal snowfall totals. Southern and eastern coastal areas of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland will see periods of milder weather at times with a higher potential for rain and ice. A delayed start to spring is expected for the entire region.
Northern Canada: A typical winter is expected across the region with near normal temperatures and snowfall. However, periods of milder weather at times across western areas should tip this region to the mild side of normal.
