WINNIPEG — The Winter forecast always peaks the attention of Manitobans. The level of optimism or pessimism seems to follow the outlook from forecasters.
With this being an El Nino year, it is not surprising to see a warm start to winter. Temperatures in November, December, and January have been close to or above normal. There have been a number of days where record highs were set in the province and stretches of colder temperatures have been minimal.
Global’s Chief Meteorologist, Anthony Farnell released his winter forecast in November. At the end of January, it looks as if his predictions for temperatures are correct to this point. December was very mild although Winnipeg saw higher than normal snowfall totals. Nearly double with 44 cm.
With the start to February, a change could be on the way with our weather pattern. Farnell is predicting a cooler month. Cooler temperatures have also been forecasted by The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Their forecasts is released in September and even with this being an El Nino year, they have predicted a colder January-February.
Burnett called for a “hardcore January cold.” That has not been the case but with two sources both calling for colder temperatures, there is not much time left for that to happen. Perhaps the worst of the cold is yet to come?
READ MORE: Anthony Farnell’s winter forecast: We could see record warm start across Canada