Meteorologists are forecasting above-normal temperatures to continue into the fall across Canada, especially in the eastern provinces. This trend is influenced by air masses coming up from the United States. Although warmer conditions are expected, there will also be stretches of cooler weather throughout the season. Eastern Canada is experiencing dry weather and above-average temperatures, with fewer fall storms expected. Meanwhile, the Atlantic hurricane season is starting to pick up, potentially bringing heavier rain to Atlantic Canada and parts of Quebec and Ontario.
In the Prairie provinces, including Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, warmer-than-normal conditions are expected to continue into October, with normal amounts of precipitation forecasted. British Columbia is also expected to see above-average temperatures, with occasional periods of cooler and warmer weather. The West Coast, South Coast, and Lower Mainland will experience warmer conditions overall, while parts of Yukon are expected to see more seasonal weather. The Pacific Ocean is currently in a neutral pattern, but a weak La Niña is expected to develop in the coming months, potentially impacting fall and winter weather conditions.
During La Niña years, trade winds are stronger and water temperatures in the eastern Pacific Ocean become cooler than average, leading to wetter and colder conditions in northern U.S. and Canada. La Niña typically brings higher amounts of rain and snow to the West Coast, along with an active hurricane season. In the Prairies, La Niña can result in a somewhat colder than normal winter. The influence of La Niña on fall and winter weather in Canada will depend on how strong the event becomes as the season progresses.
Fall foliage is influenced by temperature and precipitation, with warm, sunny days and cooler nights being the ideal conditions for displaying vibrant fall colors. The current dry and sunny weather in Canada is likely to delay the changeover of fall leaf colors, but it is also favorable for a good display of colors as there won’t be as many fall storms to blow the leaves off trees. Overall, Canadians can expect a warm and relatively dry fall, with occasional cooler periods and the potential for increased activity in the Atlantic hurricane season.
