Victoria is getting ready for the holidays, with communities starting to light up around the city. If you were hoping for a white Christmas, however, you might be a little disappointed.
According to the Weather Network, most Canadians can expect a warmer and milder winter than usual, especially British Columbians.
“We have a developing El Niño and typically that signals a milder winter across most of the country and for Western Canada that is exactly what we expect for the upcoming season,” reads the weather forecast.
“Across the rest of Canada, snow totals are expected to be near normal, but a large region from southern B.C. to northwestern Ontario could see less snow than normal during the months of December, January and February.”
The Weather Network’s forecast echoes Environment Canada’s preliminary predictions made in September.
Predictions for BC
British Columbians can expect a warmer winter this season, with fewer episodes of Arctic air gusting towards the south coast and Lower Mainland than usual. The Weather Network also forecasts a lower chance of significant snow in coastal areas and interior valleys.
Below average precipitation is predicted for southern BC, with fewer storms and longer stretches of dry weather. Meanwhile, the north coast of the province is slated to have a wetter than normal season.
While the winter is expected to be drier, a few bouts of heavy rain and mountain snowfall is expected to set the average total amount of precipitation to near normal levels.
But skiers beware:, the dry patterns may cause challenges for winter resorts around the province.
