On December 29, 2023, an individual navigates a slush puddle in Whistler, B.C. The region has encountered milder temperatures and limited snowfall this season, negatively affecting snow conditions for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding at their peak. Ethan Cairns took the photograph for The Canadian Press.
Canadians nationwide are experiencing an unusually mild winter marked by a significant absence of snow and unseasonably warm temperatures, setting new records in certain regions. The prominent areas affected by this atypical weather pattern include Calgary and various alpine resorts across British Columbia.
Scientists attribute this deviation from the norm to the El Niño phenomenon, an oceanic event characterized by warmer waters causing the Pacific jet stream to shift southward. This often leads to drier and warmer winters in northern regions of the United States and Canada.
In Calgary, a noteworthy observation on CBC's climate dashboard reveals a record number of days above freezing in the last 30 days. The dashboard, which provides real-time weather data from the Meteorological Service of Canada, indicates an average maximum temperature of 6°C from December 2 to December 31, a staggering 6.9°C above the historical average. This marks the highest average temperature ever recorded during this period. Moreover, the total precipitation in the form of rain surpassed the usual levels.
In British Columbia, unseasonably warm temperatures have negatively impacted ski resorts, including the renowned Whistler, where operators are grappling with unusually low snow levels. Last Saturday, multiple temperature records were shattered across B.C.'s south coast, including Metro Vancouver, surpassing the previous daytime high set in 1998.
Dave Phillips, a senior climatologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, expressed his surprise at the widespread deviation from typical winter conditions. He noted the absence of colder or near-normal areas across Canada in December, describing the sentiment as unanimous: "Where is winter? It doesn't feel like winter, it doesn't look like winter, and yet, it's winter."
According to Environment Canada meteorologist Terri Lang, December is anticipated to be the warmest on record for many areas with testing stations in Saskatchewan. Even Winnipeg, known for its bone-chilling cold, experienced an average temperature of -5.8°C, significantly above the normal -13.2°C for the month.
In Labrador, leading up to Christmas, unusual rain and warm temperatures broke records. Southern Ontario, including Toronto and its vicinity, faced an unprecedented 17 days of fog in December, along with twice the usual rainy days and precipitation, creating an uncharacteristically gloomy atmosphere.
Looking ahead, Canadians may experience colder temperatures later in the winter, but the absence of snow cover poses potential risks such as broken power lines and tree branches. Phillips warns that if the mild temperatures and lack of snow persist, there could be adverse effects in spring and summer, including an increased risk of drought and forest fires. Despite the current conditions, he emphasizes the possibility of receiving moisture, cautioning that El Niño remains a significant force in the weather dynamics.
