2009 / 2010 Winter Outlook

The Weather Network’s winter outlook is calling for El Niño to strengthen to moderate levels as water temperatures continue to increase in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of South America. The expected El Niño conditions are forecast to have a considerable impact on temperatures and precipitation across Canada.

As a result of the moderate El Niño, much of Western Canada can expect above normal temperatures for the season. Precipitation for Western Canada is trending to be near normal for most areas with Southeast British Columbia and Southern Alberta experiencing drier than normal conditions.

'A moderate strength El Niño generally has more influence on the weather patterns in Western Canada than in eastern portions of the country, increasing the odds of a milder than normal winter across much of the West,' said Chris Scott, Forecast Operations Manager with The Weather Network. 'As the winter progresses, our forecast team expects the jet stream to bring fewer storms to the British Columbia coast as the active weather shifts towards California .'

Regional Breakdown
British Columbia: The province will experience above normal temperatures for the season. Precipitation will be near normal for the province with the exception of the southeast.

Prairies Provinces: Near normal precipitation for most of the Prairie Provinces with above normal temperatures for most of Alberta and southern areas of Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Ontario & Quebec: Most residents of Ontario and Quebec can look for the winter months to be near normal with small pockets experiencing less than normal precipitation and above normal temperatures.

Atlantic Canada: Newfoundland and Cape Breton Island are forecast to see higher than normal precipitation due to an active Atlantic storm track. Temperatures are forecast to average near normal for the entire region.

Territories: The warm trend on the west coast will extend into Yukon and Western Northwest Territories. Precipitation will be near normal with the exception of eastern regions of Nunavut.