La Niña's typically cooler weather may not impact B.C. this winter: meteorologist | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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La Niña's typically cooler weather may not impact B.C. this winter: meteorologist

The globe will be experiencing its second La Niña weather event in as many years, but one local meteorologist said that doesn’t necessarily mean a colder winter in the B.C. Interior.

“I’m kind of hanging my hat, sitting on the fence with this,” Environment Canada meteorologist Doug Lundquist said.

The latest cycle of La Niña is expected to be weaker than normal, the Kelowna-based meteorologist said, and considering how average global temperatures are steadily rising due to climate change, he’s not yet convinced this winter will be colder than average in B.C.

“Just based on that I wouldn’t necessarily put us into the cold category,” he said. “For us in the Okanagan, this winter could be near average, above or below... about an equal chance from the three categories.”

Since Lundquist began observing the weather professionally, he said the patterns currently in play give him less confidence in this year’s long-range forecast than any other during his career.

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However, he said Environment Canada will provide a clearer update on the upcoming winter by Nov. 1, and an even better forecast on Dec. 1.

“It gets more accurate as we get closer towards the beginning of winter,” he said.

Having a second La Niña in as many years is known as a double dip. The ongoing cycle is expected to last until early spring of next year.

According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, the 2021–2022 winter will rotate between cold and mild periods in the Okanagan and Kamloops.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about B.C.'s winter tire rules


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