As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, thoughts inevitably turn to winter and what it might have in store for Canada this year.
According to the Farmers’ Almanac Canada, the winter of 2024-25 is shaping up to be a season of stark contrasts, with La Niña expected to bring a mixed bag of weather conditions across the country.
Winter officially kicks off with the solstice on December 21, 2024, but the winter weather won’t wait for the calendar to catch up. La Niña is predicted to develop early and persist through the season, influencing temperatures and precipitation patterns from coast to coast.
In Ontario, winter will be a wild ride. The province is bracing for a mix of snow and rain, with below-normal temperatures adding a frosty edge to the forecast. While Ontarians can expect their fair share of snowy days, the frequent swings between rain and snow will keep things unpredictable.
The Prairies, on the other hand, are set to experience the harshest conditions. As frigid Arctic air sweeps across the region, temperatures will plunge, particularly during the final week of January and into early February. This deep freeze is expected to make the Prairies one of the coldest areas in the country this winter.
Meanwhile, British Columbia will face an unseasonably chilly winter, with wet conditions prevailing. For those eager to hit the slopes, the forecast suggests that B.C.’s mountains could see ample snowfall, making it a promising season for skiers and snowboarders.
Quebec and the Maritimes, however, are predicted to experience a milder winter. While Quebec will see more snow than rain, the temperatures are expected to be near to above normal. The Maritimes might escape the worst of winter’s wrath with temperatures that are slightly warmer than usual, though this could mean more wet, slushy conditions rather than a true winter wonderland.
Newfoundland and Labrador are in for a wet winter, with above-normal temperatures likely leading to slushy and mushy conditions rather than deep snow. However, Quebec should prepare for a significant snowstorm around mid-February, a reminder that winter is far from predictable.
As we prepare for winter 2024-2025, Canadians can expect a season full of surprises. From bone-chilling cold in the Prairies to a whirlwind of snow and rain in Ontario, the Farmers’ Almanac Canada suggests that this winter will keep us all on our toes. Whether you’re looking forward to the snowy landscapes or dreading the chill, one thing is certain—winter is coming, and it’s bringing a bit of everything with it.
