The streets may be bare right now, but we might actually see the snow this winter, according to Environment Canada’s Dave Phillips.
The lack of winter weather in 2011 isn’t likely to repeat itself, so residents can start digging the snow shovels out of the garage for more traditional weather this season, which promises warmer temperatures but also the possibility of more of the white stuff.
Phillips said the townships just might get it this year, with temperatures cooling off in the next few weeks and the forecast showing colder temperatures than seen last year.
For those wishing for a white Christmas, Phillips said it’s always a tough call. Considering there have been fewer and fewer in past years it is always difficult to tell what the holiday season will bring.
“We think that the winter will be milder than normal. Three possibilities: mild or cold or something in between, although it’s quite all over the place,” Phillips said, adding that there is still a good chance December will bring snow.
“It’s hard to say. My sense is that we probably will. You’re still probably at about a 60 per cent chance of a white Christmas,” he predicted for Waterloo Region.
This is different he says from urban hubs like Toronto that will only see about a 35 per cent chance of snow this season.
Roads are looking more treacherous by the day as Woolwich and Wellesley townships have already experienced a number of weather-related car accidents and event cancellations.
Drivers are always urged to get cars ready for the winter with snow tires and anti-freeze and this year is no exception with temperatures eventually lowering and a looming promise of a slightly tougher winter than what was experienced in 2011.
Environment Canada still predicts a warmer winter according to a 30-year record, but anticipate a tougher season than in 2011. It will be milder than winters of the past with the exception of last year, which saw one of the lowest snowfalls in southern Ontario’s history.
“Anything that doesn’t match last year will seem tough for people. The reality is that nothing is going to repeat, nothing like last year. Winter is going to start earlier, end later, and in between there will be moments that you wish you were somewhere else.”
Predictions may signal the coming of more snow, but Phillips says weather will be not unlike what we saw last weekend when fresh snow blanketed the trees on Saturday only to melt within hours due to the milder weather. Though residents are likely safe from any overly harsh winter weather, periods of early morning shoveling and slow drives to work may be ahead.
