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Winter may not officially begin until Wednesday, December 21, 2023, but people across much of Canada will have experienced cold temperatures before that date.
To help Canadians make plans, as well as anyone planning to travel there, the Farmers’ Almanac has published “The BRRR Is Back!” — its 2023/2024 winter extended weather forecast for Canada.
“After a weird and warm winter season last year, this winter should make cold weather fans rejoice — especially those who live in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and westernmost Ontario,” Pete Geiger, editor of the Farmers’ Almanac, said in a statement. “According to our long-range weather forecast, these regions will be the coldest, however, much of the country will see more traditional winter-like temperatures. Only British Columbia will see near-normal temperatures throughout the winter season.”
First, here’s a note about producing long-range forecasts so far in advance.
“Yes, predicting the weather that far in advance has its risks, and at times, Mother Nature likes to remind us that she has the last word,” the Farmers’ Almanac explains. “But we do our best with the tools we have.”
Those tools include a proprietary formula that considers a variety of factors including sunspot activity and tidal action of the Moon. It also takes atmospheric phenomena such as the possibility of a strengthening el niño — an unusually high water temperature of the Pacific coastal regions of South America — into account.
So, let’s get to it. Here is the 2023/2024 winter forecast for Canada according to the Farmers’ Almanac.
Farmers’ Almanac Canada Predicts Very Cold Winter – Cold Temperatures To Return
“Yes, Canada, traditional winter weather is coming back,” the forecast notes.
“Get ready to enjoy hot chocolate by the fireside, skiing, ice skating, and all things winter!” the Farmers’ Almanac continues. “Very cold temperatures and lots of ‘brrrs’ are expected for much of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and westernmost Ontario.”
Meanwhile, people in Newfoundland and Labrador will experience icy temperatures, however, the forecast predicts those areas won’t experience temperatures as frigid as those in the middle of Canada.
People in British Columbia, on the other hand, can look forward to near-normal temperatures around the freezing mark throughout the winter.
Reason for the Return of the Cold
The Farmers’ Almanac goes on to explain why we should expect a cold and snowy winter across Canada: “There are indications that an El Niño (an unusually high-water temperature off the Pacific coastal region of South America), will be brewing in the latter half of 2023, lasting into the winter of 2024. If we consider that alongside our tried-and-true forecast formula, it means that cold temperatures should prevail throughout the country and bring snow, sleet, and ice.” the Farmers’ Almanac claims.
To sum it up, the waning of La Niña was cited as a reason for the milder winter the previous year, whereas the intensification of El Niño implies increasingly stormy and moist weather for 2023-24.
Get Ready To Shovel Snow
“It’s not winter without snow, right?” the forecast asks.
“Where should snow lovers rejoice? The Great Lakes region!” the Farmers’ Almanac continues. “If you live in or plan to visit areas around the Great Lakes, you should get your fill of snow as our forecast points to above-normal amounts this winter.”
As you may expect, both coastal regions of Atlantic Canada will see a mixed bag of wintry precipitation. Winter in Atlantic Canada is expected to bring below-average temperatures with above-average precipitation.
The Atlantic Canada residents should prepare for cold conditions and increased snowfall, potentially impacting travel and daily activities. Stay updated on Atlantic Canada long-range weather forecast for the latest weather information.
Prepare For Storms
The Farmers’ Almanac’s forecast also includes warnings about specific weather events.
For example, people along the Pacific Coast, and in Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes, can expect a wintry mix of rain, sleet, and snow during the second week of January.
Then, during the first week of February, heavy snow will blanket the Rockies and Prairies.
During the second week of February, a coastal storm will affect Quebec and the Maritimes.
Then, a blast of frigid air will blow in following the storm, the forecast notes.
Finally, March could “go out like a lion,” bringing stormy conditions across Canada. A white Easter Sunday with snow even seems possible for people in southern Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada, the forecast concludes.
On the bright side, if you want a white Christmas, then Canada has some amazing towns perfect for Holiday celebrations!
Farmers’ Almanac Forecast History and Accuracy
For centuries, the Farmer’s Almanac has been putting out long-range weather forecast announcements, which they claim are pretty much accurate.
However, such predictions are exceedingly challenging, irrespective of who you are or what resources are available to you. While meteorological techniques have significantly improved in the last century, their reliability diminishes greatly as forecast timelines increase.
Does that imply you should dismiss any long-term Farmers’ Almanac forecast you come across? Probably not.
FAQs
How Accurate Is Farmers’ Almanac?
Readers claim they are accurate 85% of the time, which is good. Farmers’ Almanac has used the same formula for over 200 years based on math. The Farmers’ Almanac reviews its predictions yearly to highlight its forecasting victories and defeats.
How Long Has the Farmers’ Almanac Been Around?
Since 1818, the Farmers’ Almanac has been published continuously for the entire year. Since then, it’s been offering readers a trademark blend of the long-range weather forecast, fun facts, and advice on everything, from housekeeping and gardening to fishing, conservation, and much more.
How Many Versions of the Farmers’ Almanac Are There Today?
There are three versions of the Farmers’ Almanac today. A retail version that is sold throughout the U.S., a promotional version as a marketing platform for businesses, and a Canadian version that contains exclusive Canadian weather predictions, articles, and more.
Are the Farmers’ Almanac and the Old Farmers’ Almanac the Same?
No. The Farmers’ Almanac was first printed in 1818 by David Young, while the Old Farmers’ Almanac was started in 1792 by Robert B. Thomas. The former contains extended weather forecast 16 months in advance for seven climate zones in the U.S. and five in Canada, while the latter covers 18 U.S. regions and 7 in Canada over 18 months.
Why Was The Latest Farmers’ Almanac Dubbed ‘The BRRR Is Back!’?
It was named like that because the Farmers’ Almanac believes that El Niño will occur towards the end of the year, which will make this winter cold and snowy across the country.