Winter is COMING BACK!
By Berly Thomas
The absence of El Niño has made it easier for traditional winter conditions to return this year. With colder-than-normal temperatures expected, Western Canada is anticipated to experience a severe winter. Last winter was the warmest on record for Canada, with mild temperatures across the country. This year, changes in global weather patterns, including the onset of La Niña, are bringing colder temperatures. Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Warning Preparedness Meteorologist Geoff Coulson said to S@Y News that at this point we cannot predict the impact of La Niña on the Canadian winter. He said some climatologists believe La Niña would be weak and its impact on this year’s winter may be neutral.
Regional Forecasts
While some regions in Canada are set for a colder and snowier winter this year, others may experience milder conditions. Here is a breakdown of the regional weather forecast for this winter.
Ontario – Qubec
Ontario will experience a colder December, which could be beneficial for ski resorts. However, January and February may bring fluctuating temperatures with milder spells. Southern regions could face mixed precipitation events, leading to below-normal snowfall totals. Quebec will experience a variable winter with December bringing colder weather.
Western Canada
Colder temperatures are expected for British Columbia and Alberta. An active storm track will bring above-normal snowfall to places like Vancouver and Kelowna. Severe cold is expected in the Peace region, and Arctic outflows will affect the south coast. Alberta is expecting near-normal to above-normal snowfall.
Prairie Provinces
For Saskatchewan and Manitoba, a colder winter with snowfall is expected. Predictions are for a white Christmas with severe cold periods.
Atlantic Canada
The Maritimes can expect a changeable winter with traditional snowstorms. This area will also experience significant milder periods. Below-normal snowfall is expected as warmer air from the Atlantic influences weather patterns.
Newfoundland & Labrador
A relatively mild winter with fewer snowstorms is predicted. Milder temperatures and rain will make it difficult for the southern areas to maintain consistent snow cover.
Major Snow Squall Set to Hit Ontario’s Snowbelt Regions
By Ganga Bhujel
A big snow squall is expected to hit Ontario's snowbelt regions staring Thursday through the weekend. Toronto is expected to experience light snowfall, the first of the season. The forecast currently indicates a 40-60% chance of flurries from November 29 to December 1, with temperatures ranging from -2°C to 4°C, suggesting variable winter weather conditions.
According to the latest forecast from The Weather Network, Ontario is set to experience a shift in weather patterns, bringing colder temperatures and the possibility of snow. Flurries are predicted to develop in the latter part of the week, especially on Friday, November 29, as a cold front moves through the region.
Geoff Coulson, Warning Preparedness Meteorologist Environment and Climate Change Canada said, “The stronger version of lake-effect snow is likely to begin Thursday afternoon and continue to Monday at Georgian Bay, some of this area may receive snowfall of 50 cm by Monday.” He added, “Toronto is far away from lake-effect activity so, only flurries are expected to be seen in Toronto.”
The area of traditional snowbelt, from London to Barries is expected to see the bulk of snow over 30 cm through this weekend. Meanwhile, cottage country is forecast to see 15+ cm from Kincardine to across the Parry Sound.
This storm could brings serious trouble for the roads. Heavy snow and strong winds of 40-60 km/h will cause whiteouts, slippery roads, and dangerous winter travel during this major lake-effect event. Coulson stated that, “People in the expected area should be aware of winter like driving conditions from Thursday to Monday.”
WINTER CHECKLIST! 5 THINGS TO DO BEFORE IT SNOWS…
Written By: Rhitvik Bhasin
Canada🍁 is on track to regain its reputation for having the coldest months after recording it's warmest winter last year. The Weather Network's chief meteorologist says, "The cold comeback will largely be directed at Western Canada, as the forecast calls for a generally colder season and near- or above-normal snow totals across parts of the West." Chris Scott warned those in Ontario and Quebec won't be spared, especially in December.
As the temperature is getting lower, Here's a list of 5 things to do to keep yourself and others safe and steady this winter.
- Get Winter tires: Driving on worn tires during winter is a recipe for trouble. They significantly increase your stopping distance and make your car less stable, especially on wet or icy roads. You might be tempted to push through winter with low-tread tires, but you’ll literally be skating on thin ice. This can cause serious accidents and could make you liable for someone's life or maybe yours. Why take the risk when safer tires can save you the hassle? for about less than half of the cost and trouble of an accident, you can get winter tires... so, Go and Get them.
- Car service and Winter Accessories: Get your car ready for the snow, if you don't want to freeze with it. make sure to Swap gas with non-oxygenated gas to save your carburetor. Switch to winter wiper blades and make sure lube your car window channels, doors, and trunk/hatch and coat it with dry Teflon spray. In the end, do not forget to replace your cabin air filter.
- Protect your plants: You'll need to Empty the flower pots if it is staying outside the house. Remove Soil or water from it or bring plants and flowering trees inside before the first cold snap. Typically, you should bring your plants in before temperatures dip below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Get Roof-Ready: Snow, rain, ice, and wind can make it challenging for your home to withstand winter’s wrath. Of particular concern should be your roof. You can get a head start on winterizing your roof with a few key steps. Inspect, clean and install winter snow guards and roof heat cables to prevent ice dams from forming.
- Cut the Power To your A/C: Cut the power to your central air conditioner before the weather turns frigid. Your compressor could be damaged if your AC accidentally gets turned on in low temperatures. this will also help in saving power resulting in less electricity bill.
Moreover, Keep an eye on the weather, especially if a winter storm is in the forecast, so you have enough time to prepare. Always keep your home and car emergency kits stocked and ready. Make sure your car is well-maintained, and keep the gas tank full in case you need to head out quickly. Do not forget to stock up on winter clothes and stay packed while going outside. Lastly, enjoy Christmas/Noël and La Niña winter this year.
IF YOU LIKE COLD PLUNGES AND BONFIRES, YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE SWIM OP
by Syed Mowla
The temperature is expected to drop to as low as -4 with cloudy skies throughout this weekend. So you’d likely not expect to find people swimming in Lake Ontario, but that is exactly what the folks at Swim OP are doing.
In case you think this is a small group of zealots, Swim OP has over two thousand members. They swim in Lake Ontario in Humber Bay all through the year, regardless of the weather.
Research and advocacy for welcome and safe swimming at Ontario Place are some of the reasons why they do it. HTO Beach was cleaned up with the help of underwater virtual reality (VR) and beach mapping to increase situational awareness and safety.
As a professional engineer (p.Eng) licensed to practice in Ontario, Steve Mann believes he has a moral and ethical duty to put the safety of the public above his personal interests.
Mann recently learned that four safety sewage pipes that currently transport combined sewer outfall (CSO) from the mainland at the shore of Lake Ontario, in downtown Toronto, and out in the open water of Lake Ontario as far as Ontario Place West Island are to be removed. The work is scheduled to start shortly. With public safety as one of the top engineering priorities, competent engineers created the four sewage pipe safety extensions that are currently in place. They also built and inspected them in accordance with strict design guidelines. Allowing a business agreement with a foreign national enterprise to dictate water safety policies or initiatives in the greatest city on the Great Lakes, Toronto, where responsible water stewardship is expected worldwide, is detrimental and unethical.
If you want to involve yourself in the cause of safe and welcoming swimming at Ontario Place and try something different for size this Winter, you can find Swim OP groups on Facebook and even sign up from their newsletter or visit their website swimop.com. Find yourself swimming in the ice cold and participating in fireside chats this Saturday 30th at Trillium Park 2pm and the first day of December at Humber Bay West Cold water.
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