If it seems early to be thinking about winter, there’s a good reason to release the forecast now. It was released earlier than usual this year amid “increasing concern over the rising cost of heating oil”. If you live in Canada or will be visiting this winter, take heart, the forecast calls for “a potpourri of precipitation and unseasonably cold conditions,” according to the Farmers’ Almanac. Now, if you’re wondering how the Farmer’s Almanac can produce long-range forecasts so far in advance, the editors explain that they’ve been publishing accurate long-range weather forecasts since 1818. The key to these forecasts is a set of astronomical and mathematical rules developed by David Young, the first editor of the Farmers’ Almanac. Since then, these rules have been refined and turned into a closely guarded formula. So let’s get to it. Here’s what the 2022/2023 winter will be like in Canada according to the Farmers’ Almanac.
Prepare for colder than normal temperatures
“Do you have a flannel, hot chocolate and snowshoes?” the prediction asks. “If not, you might want to go get some.” Here’s why. Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba are labeled “hibernation” this winter by the Farmer’s Almanac, while Ontario will be “very cold” and the Maritime Provinces will be “unreasonably cold.” “During the month of January, Canadians may see one of the coldest arctic outbreaks in recent years with temperatures reaching from -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit) to -40 degrees Celsius (-40 degrees Fahrenheit),” according to with the Farmers’ Almanac.
Stormy Weather En route
Broadly speaking, an active storm track will travel across eastern North America this winter, from the western Gulf of Mexico to the Maritime Provinces, according to the forecast. As a result, the Maritimes will see several cold showers, as well as many days filled with a mix of snow, sleet, ice and rain. On the other hand, Labrador, Newfoundland, Quebec, Ontario and the Great Lakes, to the north and west of the storm’s track, will see snow, “and sometimes a lot,” according to the forecast. Meanwhile, British Columbia should see an average amount of winter precipitation, “but with warm temperatures, skiing should be decent this coming season,” according to the forecast. In particular, the Farmers’ Almanac is raising “red flags” for the first week of January in the Rockies and Prairies because heavy snowfalls are likely, followed by bitterly cold temperatures. “We will raise another red flag for January 16 to 23 over the eastern two-thirds of the country, where our extended forecast shows periods of heavy snow and rain,” according to the forecast. It’s also when parts of Canada can see temperatures as low as 40 below zero — a number that’s the same in Fahrenheit and Celsius.
Break Out The Snow Shovels
If you’re curious about the forecast’s “red flag” days and what those warnings mean for specific provinces, here’s what you need to know. A “decent amount of snow” is expected to fall in Ontario and Quebec between Jan. 20 and 23, as well as the Prairie provinces between Jan. 24 and 27, according to the forecast. Then in February, especially in the eastern parts of Canada, there is also the possibility of Easter which could see up to 12 to 24 inches of snow between February 16th and 19th. While you start thinking about winter and maybe even planning a winter getaway, be sure to check out our winter travel content, including:
