Top weather forecaster says Quebec likely to see ‘classic Canadian winter’

If a mild, wet January appeals to you on this chilly November day, keep in mind we’re also coming up on the 20th anniversary of Ice Storm ’98 — be careful about how you word your weather wishes.

One of Canada’s high-profile weather forecasters is warning Canadians across the country to brace for a whole lot of snow this winter, but also says southern Ontario and Quebec might see mild conditions during all of January.

Chris Scott, The Weather Network’s chief meteorologist, says the message from his forecast team is “buckle up, because it looks like a stormy winter.”

Scott says this year’s La Nina weather system bears a striking resemblance to that of 2007-2008, when Toronto recorded its snowiest winter ever.

“History tells us that when we have cooler waters off the coast of South America, that’s La Nina, and those winters tend to be classic Canadian winters.”

La Nina winters often mean changeable weather, and Scott says that while Canadians can expect to be pounded by numerous snowstorms, there will also be sustained periods of milder weather.

“You might get two out of three months where you think, wow, that was a wild winter, and then one month where the winter goes away,” he explains. “But this will be a winter that’s more on than off.”

The weather pattern also calls for a winter that lingers, meaning the country could experience snowstorms as late as March.

The only region of Canada not following the nationwide trend is Nunavut, which has seen warming temperatures in recent years because of climate change.

Scott says Nunavut can expect warmer-than-usual weather again this winter, along with average levels of snow.