The Weather Network releases its 2018 Fall Forecast & Winter Preview
Canadians Can Expect a Gentler Slide into Winter
Oakville, Ontario, Sept 17, 2018 – After a hot summer, most Canadians have already experienced an early taste of autumnal weather. Does this mean an early winter is in the cards, or will summer weather make a strong comeback like last year?
The Weather Network meteorologists have released their fall forecast for the rest of September, as well as for the months of October and November. This forecast includes their highly anticipated preliminary forecast for winter and a look ahead at the remainder of the hurricane season.
“Autumn is a tumultuous season, famous for wild temperature swings and powerful fall storms,” said Chris Scott, Chief Meteorologist at The Weather Network. “Of course, this fall will include both, but overall we expect a less active and less tumultuous pattern than normal. This means we’ll experience a more gentle slide rather than a freefall, as we make the inevitable transition from summer to winter.”
Most Canadians can expect a mild fall with near normal or above normal temperatures for nearly all of Canada. With rumors of a developing El Niño, many Canadians may be asking if this pattern will continue through the winter. For those in Western Canada, we do expect a milder than normal winter, but from the central Prairies to Atlantic Canada, a more traditional Canadian winter is expected.
Here’s a more detailed look at the conditions expected across the country this fall:
British Columbia
After a cool start to the season, milder than normal temperatures are forecast for mid and late fall across British Columbia. Drier than normal conditions are anticipated across southern B.C., while above average precipitation is expected across northern parts of the province. The combination of mild temperatures and below normal precipitation across southern B.C. could result in a slow start to the ski season.
The Prairies
The Prairies have experienced a rather abrupt transition from mid-summer heat to chilly, October-like weather. However, the region will settle into a more typical fall pattern for the middle and end of the season, with much of Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan tipping to the mild side of normal. That said, it is important to keep in mind that “normal” temperatures drop by more than 2 degrees Celsius per week during the fall across the region. Drier than normal conditions are expected to persist across southern Alberta, with near to slightly below normal precipitation anticipated elsewhere.
Ontario & Quebec
September has brought a continuation of mid-summer warmth for the region with just a brief taste of fall. Unlike last year’s exceptional heat of late September and early October, more typical fall weather is forecast to prevail over the next few weeks. A milder than normal pattern is expected to return for late fall with fewer fall storms than normal. While we anticipate fewer than normal rainy days, rainfall totals for the season are still expected to be near normal due to a few systems that tap into tropical moisture. Peak fall colours will be delayed, but fall foliage should be excellent overall, except for areas that were highly impacted by mid-summer drought conditions.
Atlantic Canada
Above normal temperatures are forecast for the Maritimes this fall with extended periods of dry weather. However, the region can still expect near normal precipitation with localized areas reaching above normal. This is due to the threat for a couple storms to tap into tropical moisture and bring excessive rainfall.
Northern Canada
Milder than normal temperatures are expected across Yukon and parts of the Northwest Territories, while colder than normal temperatures are forecast across much of Nunavut. Above normal precipitation is expected for southern Yukon and into adjacent areas of the Northwest Territories, with near normal precipitation elsewhere.
Despite the mild autumn and gradual transition into winter, mid and late fall can still bring snow storms, freezing rain, and other dangerous weather conditions to parts of Canada. As we move deeper into the season, Canadians should pay extra close attention to the daily forecast as winter weather conditions can develop rapidly. Canadians can prepare themselves for changeable weather patterns by visiting www.theweathernetwork.com or by downloading The Weather Network App available for iOS and Android.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Fall Forecast and getting behind-the-scenes information, you can watch The Weather Network’s Facebook Live on September 17th at 1pm ET at https://www.facebook.com/events/1884233441671431/.
The Weather Network: Fall 2018 Forecast
| Region |
Temperature Outlook |
Precipitation Outlook |
| British Columbia | Above normal | Above normal north; below normal south; near normal central |
| Alberta | Above normal; Near normal northeast | Below normal south, near normal elsewhere |
| Saskatchewan | Near normal; above normal south | Below normal southwest; near normal elsewhere |
| Manitoba | Near normal; above normal southwest | Near normal |
| Ontario | Near normal; slightly above normal south | Near normal; below normal northeast near James Bay |
| Québec | Below normal north; above normal south | Near normal south and north; below normal central |
| The Maritimes and Newfoundland & Labrador | Above normal; near normal central and northern Newfoundland; Below normal Labrador | Near normal; locally above normal southwest; below normal southern Labrador |
| Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut | Above normal Yukon and western NWT; below normal Nunavut | Above normal Yukon & western NWT; Near normal elsewhere |
Complete Fall Forecast details, including regional breakdowns, maps and charts are available at www.theweathernetwork.com/fall.
Interview opportunities: The Weather Network meteorologists are available for interviews from September 17 to 19, 2018. They can provide regional forecasts and offer additional information on this year’s fall forecast. Our meteorologists are also prepared to discuss our preliminary winter forecast and field questions on hurricane season.
To arrange an interview with a meteorologist, please contact:
Madison Francis
FleishmanHillard HighRoad
613-218-9394, madison.francis@fhhighroad.com
About Pelmorex Weather Networks
Pelmorex Weather Networks, a division of Pelmorex Corp., is a leading international provider of weather-related information services. It operates in North America, Europe and Latin America under the brands The Weather Network, MétéoMédia, Eltiempo.es and Clima. The Weather Network and its French counterpart MétéoMédia are Canada’s most popular weather and information services on TV, web and mobile apps. Eltiempo is Spain’s leading multi-platform weather information provider. Pelmorex also operates Canada’s National Alerting Aggregation and Dissemination System (Alert Ready) which aggregates and distributes emergency alerts issued by authorized government agencies.
