Cool waters in the Pacific Ocean could mean a relatively cold and wet winter for BC as two weather phenomena work to lower winter temperatures in Western Canada.
Environment and Climate Change Canada hosted a virtual call on Wednesday to discuss Canada’s winter outlook. Human-caused climate change is causing the country to warm at double the global rate, but Pacific patterns that push things cooler will temper global warming this year.
ECCC
La Nina, a wind and water pattern in the Pacific, is in full force this year. It usually brings colder-than-normal weather and plenty of precipitation to Western Canada.
At the same time, we’re seeing a negative Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), a long-term ocean pattern that cycles every two to three decades. The negative PDO and La Nina will work together to cool temperatures in BC this winter, but they will be met by the opposing forces of climate change that are warming the planet.
ECCC
December in BC looks like it could be slightly warmer than normal, but there isn’t a strong enough signal yet to predict January and February.
“The February story could be very different than December’s,” ECCC meteorologist Gina Ressier said.
She cautioned British Columbians to be weather smart, saying that every month of winter can bring severe weather events, including snowstorms and sudden freezes.
ECCC
But for skiers packing their gear for the North Shore mountains or Whistler, this year’s forecast could mean plenty of fresh snow.
Are you looking forward to a La Nina winter? Let us know at [email protected]