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 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 extended 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 off the Pacific Coast 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.
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.
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 Canada will see a mixed bag of wintry precipitation.
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.
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