Canadians set for a snowy winter, but how much depends on location

Canadians should expect colder temperatures across much of Canada this winter, with more snow also forecast to cover much of the country compared with last year.

Canadians hoping for a more snowy winter this year may be in luck — but where you live may influence how much and how long it will last.

Global News chief meteorologist Anthony Farnell says part of what will drive winter conditions is La Nina.

That flow of warmer water in the Pacific Ocean typically brings lower temperatures and higher precipitation, an opposite to the El Nino weather pattern we saw last winter, which caused higher temperatures from coast to coast.

Farnell cautioned though that while La Nina is expected to play a “big role” globally, its impact may still not be drastic for Canada.

“La Nina hasn’t fully materialized and in fact there are signs that it may never come,” he said Wednesday. “But still, even neutral conditions in the Pacific can lead to a lot colder air for much of Canada, and that generally means more snow.”

According to Farnell, much of British Columbia and Alberta and part of southwestern Saskatchewan and southern Yukon will see below-normal temperatures. The rest of Saskatchewan, most of the Northwest Territories, all of Manitoba and northwestern Ontario are expected to experience near-normal temperatures.

The rest of the country, including nearly all of Nunavut, is expected to see above-normal temperatures.

However, Farnell said Canadians who aren’t already experiencing the cold, like those in the Prairies, should anticipate the thermometer showing colder conditions at the end of this month with a “chilly” December ahead.