If Quebec experienced a “very mild” winter last year, Quebecers will have to expect a lot of precipitation this year, and the possibility of experiencing more snowstorms.
In fact, last winter was the warmest in Canada due to the presence of a “strong” El Niño.
This year, Quebecers will experience colder temperatures at the start of the season, “but the mildness will return in force at the start of 2025,” explained the head of meteorology at MétéoMédia, André Monette, in a press release.
Temperatures for the entire winter will not be as warm as last year, but will remain “mild,” according to MétéoMédia forecasts published Wednesday.
The presence of an “active corridor” in various regions of Quebec could increase the amount of precipitation in the form of snow, sleet, ice or rain.
“An active corridor will be present in our regions bringing more precipitation than normal,” said Mr. Monette. However, we should expect a lot of mixing of precipitation for the regions of the St. Lawrence Valley and the Great Lakes.”
Moreover, a more southerly trajectory would increase the chances of experiencing more snowstorms.
Winter in Western Canada will be different this year, however, as cold temperatures will dominate the season due to the gradual arrival of La Nina, according to MétéoMédia chief meteorologist Chris Scott.
The Western Canadian provinces will thus experience a “much harsher” winter, while surges of arctic air are expected.
As for the Maritimes, a mild winter is also expected, but they will be less frequently the target of coastal storms, being located away from the active path.