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By Glynn Brothen

February storms expected

Almanac predicts chilly fall, wet winter ahead for Prairies

Aug 14, 2024 | 5:00 PM

The final weeks of summer are waning, but those looking ahead can expect a a wet winter whirlwind for the Prairies this season.

This is the latest prognostication released this week from the Farmer’s Almanac, the leader in long-range forecasting with its proprietary formula and dependence on the moon calendar for gardening recommendations.

Editor Sandi Duncan said this winter will be wet for the majority of the season. The outlook suggests the autumn months will also be chillier with a wet, frosty forecast.

“It’s going to start getting chilly come the middle of September. Some unseasonably chilly air. Not to say it’s going to hang around forever,” she said. “You guys are on tap for a chilly wet fall.”

Snow could come as early as mid-November, Duncan said. There could be some snowfall either Nov. 8 or Nov. 11 followed by very cold conditions.

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Most of December is shaping up to be wet snow rather than powdery with snowfall expected between Dec. 4 and 7. The outlook for the holiday season is predicted to be heavy rains and snow between Dec. 20 and 23.

Duncan said the majority of the winter storms could be in February, specifically from Feb. 4 to Feb. 7.

“It looks like February is going to be a real whirlwind with storms back to back,” she noted, adding it might be the time to plan for a sunny vacation around then.

“We’re calling for a pretty big storm moving from Alberta eastward,” she said, noting there could be accumulations of snow up to 30 cm or more. The cold temperatures are predicted to continue through March for an “unseasonably cool spring ahead.”

The almanac also notes that the changing environmental conditions were factored in the outlook predictions, along with the La Niña weather phenomenon which brings forth cooler conditions with increased precipitation.

For more information on the Almanac, click here.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com