Those dreaming of a white Christmas this year may be disappointed, as Environment Canada is predicting a warmer-than-average winter for the mid-Island. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

winter outlook

Warmer than normal winter expected: Environment Canada

Nov 23, 2023 | 3:44 PM

NANAIMO — While there’s no assurance snow-clearing duty is off the agenda, a Environment Canada meteorologist expects temperatures to be warmer than usual this winter.

Derek Lee said their agency has a near 100 per cent probability the ocean-warming effects of the El Nino weather pattern will persist, particularly on British Columbia’s coast this winter.

“What that means is we are still looking at predicting a warmer than normal temperature for this winter, however I can’t say whether it will be drier or wetter as the signal for precipitation isn’t super solid,” Lee said.

Emphasizing long-term precipitation outlooks can’t accurately be pinned down, Lee the presence of El Nino increases chances of reduced amounts of snowfall.

“That can definitely translate to meaning less snow build-up, especially on the mountains,” he said.

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The mid-Island region is experiencing a noticeable absence of rain in November, with none predicted until at least mid-next week.

On the opposite end of the weather spectrum is La Nina, which generates cooler ocean conditions, and is generally equated to cold winters, More snow and colder than than normal winters applied for the previous three years regionally, including multiple debilitating snowfall events paired with frigid temperatures late in 2021 and early in 2022.

— with files from 97.3 FM The Eagle

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