Atlantic Canada to face stormy winter

Snowstorms will slam Atlantic Canada this winter as the winter weather pattern is expected to be dominated by a developing El Niño in the equatorial Pacific.

In a news release, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson said the winter weather pattern is expected to be dominated by a developing El Niño in the equatorial Pacific.

El Niño occurs when the waters in the tropical Pacific Ocean are warmer than normal, influencing the global weather pattern and the track that storm systems take, especially during the winter months.

Winter storms will frequent Atlantic Canada in the coming months, bringing bouts of heavy rain, strong winds and snow to the region.

Anderson said the main storm track in the east will be directed toward Atlantic Canada, with the potential for several large storms from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland this season.

“Heavier-than-normal snowfall is anticipated from southeastern Quebec through New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island this winter.”

This includes Fredericton, Saint John and Moncton in New Brunswick, Corner Brook and St. John’s, as well as Halifax and Cape Brenton.

Some of these storms could impact the St. Lawrence River Valley, but the worst of the storms will mostly be focused to the south and east.

“Snowfall will be below average for much of cottage and ski country in Ontario but near to above average for the Quebec resorts,” Anderson said.

While the major winter storms primarily stay east of cities such as Ottawa and Toronto, some harsh cold snaps could chill the region, especially during the second half of the season.

Anderson said most of the Arctic blasts will be focused into northeastern Canada but may shift towards eastern Ontario and Quebec late in the winter.

However, the brunt of the Arctic air is expected to widely miss the Great Lakes.

“Lake-effect snowfall downwind of the lakes is expected to be below average this season due to a lack of Arctic air,” Anderson said.

“February may actually have the greatest lake-effect due to a higher probability of cold spells.”