What will this winter be like? Grab the hot cocoa — here’s your 2023 forecast
After three consecutive La Niña winters, a moderate El Niño is now well established in the central Pacific Ocean.
This warmer-than-normal water affects the jet stream and weather patterns around the planet and often leads to milder and less snowy winters in Canada. The weather pattern also becomes more variable, with wild swings in temperature and an increased potential for ice storms in parts of central Canada and bigger snowstorms in the Maritimes.
Confidence is also high for a mild Western Canada winter with less snow.
It is important to note that no two El Niños are alike and there are so many other factors that affect our weather pattern on a global and local scale.
Let me break down what to expect this winter across Canada.
Unfortunately, the mild and sunny November has come to an end but that calm weather will return on several occasions through the upcoming season.
It will likely be quieter than the past three La Niña winters. The strongest storms will follow the sub-tropical jet and slam into California rather than the Pacific Northwest.
This leads to milder temperatures with less coastal rain and less mountain snow across the province.
A few Arctic intrusions are still likely for the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, but overall, milder Pacific air will dominate the weather pattern this season.
There is some good news for winter sport enthusiasts because December is looking quite snowy before the storm track shifts south. Time to hit the slopes over the holidays.
El Niño is synonymous with milder winters in the Prairies.
A weaker polar jet stream means less of that brutally cold Arctic and Siberian air. Keep in mind that even a milder winter in Saskatchewan and Manitoba is still brutally cold most of the
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