Key Takeaways
- Above-average snowfall was recorded in several Canadian cities, including Toronto, Montreal, and St. John’s, in December.
- A "January thaw" is expected to occur in the second week of January, bringing mild Pacific air and above-seasonal conditions to most of Canada.
- The warmer temperatures will be temporary, as a colder pattern is expected to return in the second half of January.
- A ridge building in the eastern Pacific and British Columbia will bring a quieter pattern to the region for the second half of the month.
Introduction to Canadian Weather Patterns
The month of December saw significant snowfall in several Canadian cities, with Toronto, Montreal, and St. John’s recording above-average amounts. Kapuskasing, Ontario, ended the month with an impressive 173 cm of snow on the ground. This suggests that the winter season has been quite active in Canada, with many areas experiencing colder and snowier conditions than usual. The question on everyone’s mind is, what can Canadians expect in the coming weeks?
The January Thaw
As the calendar flips to January, Canadians can look forward to a temporary reprieve from the cold winter weather. The pattern that dominated Canada in December is expected to continue into the beginning of January, but a change is on the way. The "January thaw" is a phenomenon that occurs every year, where mild Pacific air floods the country, bringing above-seasonal conditions to most of Canada. This is expected to happen during the second week of January, providing a welcome break from the cold winter temperatures. The frigid trough that has been keeping the season’s coldest air over Alaska will allow the warmer air to spread across Canada, making for a more pleasant start to the month.
Temporary Warmup
It’s essential to note that the January thaw is a temporary event, and winter will soon return. The warmer temperatures will be short-lived, as a colder pattern is expected to take hold in the second half of January. This could potentially bring back the cold and snowy conditions that were experienced in December. Canadians should enjoy the mild weather while it lasts, as it will likely be fleeting. The warmer air will provide a welcome respite from the cold, but it’s crucial to be prepared for the return of winter weather.
Return of Winter Weather
The return of winter weather in the second half of January is expected to be significant. A ridge building in the eastern Pacific and British Columbia will bring a quieter pattern to the region, but this will also allow for the return of colder air. The signals are strong that much of Canada will flip back to a colder pattern, potentially resembling what was seen in December. This means that Canadians can expect a return to colder and possibly snowier conditions, making it essential to be prepared for the changing weather. The temporary warmup will be a distant memory as winter weather takes hold once again.
Regional Weather Patterns
The weather patterns across Canada will vary, with different regions experiencing different conditions. The west coast, including British Columbia, can expect a quieter pattern to emerge in the second half of January, thanks to the ridge building in the eastern Pacific. This will bring more settled weather to the region, but it’s essential to note that the rest of Canada may not be as fortunate. The return of winter weather will likely bring colder and snowier conditions to many areas, making it crucial to stay informed about the latest weather forecasts and warnings. Canadians should be prepared for the changing weather patterns and plan accordingly to ensure their safety and comfort.