As the La Nina weather phenomenon prepares to make another appearance this fall, meteorologists are predicting a stormy, wet season for parts of Canada and mild, dry temperatures for others.
Although the continued strong presence of La Nina is anomalous, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson says it will leave less room for surprises this fall.
“This will be the first time we’ve had La Nina’s third straight drop in 20 years, so it’s anomalous but it also gives us some confidence in the forecast,” he told CTVNews.ca during an interview. a telephone interview on Friday.
La Nina, which causes colder than normal sea surface temperatures, often impacts jet streams across North America, bringing strong winds. Here’s how it could impact weather across the country, according to AccuWeather.
WEST COAST HOOKUPS FOR STORMS
Similar to last fall, British Columbia is expected to experience a wet and rainy season, which could increase the risk of flooding.
Anderson said the burn scars left by wildfires over the past two summers could also increase the risk of landslides as the terrain becomes more susceptible to these extreme weather conditions.
“They had a lot of big fires in BC last year and those burn scars are still there. So with stormy patterns certainly later in the fall and winter, that could be an issue for flash flooding in those areas,” he said.
DRY TEMPERATURES TO HELP PRAIRIE HARVEST
Moving away from the Pacific, temperatures are expected to become mild and dry along the Prairies. AccuWeather predicts above normal temperatures, especially in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
“Across the Prairies, we expect we will see drier conditions this fall, especially in the central and eastern Prairies, and warmer than normal conditions,” Anderson said.
Ultimately, this is good news for these areas, Anderson said, as drier temperatures will aid the harvest season.
DELAYED FALL FOLIAGE FOR EASTERN CANADA
Similar to the Prairies, Eastern Canada should expect warmer and drier temperatures during the first half of the season. As long as the temperatures don’t get too hot, Anderson said it could make for great fall foliage, if a bit delayed.
“We’re looking at a delayed peak, probably about a week later than usual, but I think the colors will be in pretty good shape,” he said.
During the last fall season, however, La Nina is expected to increase rain and cold weather, leading to the winter season in Ontario and Quebec.
“This (La Nina) will keep most of the cold air in northwestern Canada while allowing much of the Pacific air to continue to flood the country and keep much of the central and eastern Canada warmer than normal for much of the fall, although I think things might start to change as we approach November,” he said.
‘HIGHER THAN USUAL’ THREAT TO TROPICAL STORMS IN THE MARITIMES
In the Atlantic, warmer water temperatures could potentially increase the risk of tropical storms.
“Hurricane season is off to a very slow start, nothing is happening in August, but there are signs that things can really start to pick up from next week and the week after,” he said. he declares.
Although tropical storms don’t typically reach the Maritimes, Anderson said there’s always a chance it could, especially with above-normal temperatures and precipitation, especially in Newfoundland and -Labrador.
“It’s probably higher than usual this fall across all of Atlantic Canada,” Anderson said.