ASSINIBOIA — They say it’s a winterful life, but don’t coat me on that. There’s snow way out of winter.
When trying to predict upcoming seasons there are so many resources a person can turn to. Experienced meteorologists who use science, expertise and weather modelling have offered forecasts through a number of weather resources. The Farmer’s Almanac and Old Farmer’s Almanac are also depended on for predicting what winter will bring.
I often rely on the voice of experience from retired farmers and senior citizens as they, in my opinion, are trustworthy relying on what the past has shown us. However, some say the pig spleen forecast is the most accurate and what they rely on for winter weather predictions.
Weather experts will tell you there are many factors involved with winter including geography, temperature fluctuations from north to south and the jet stream.
Will winter 2024/25 be wonderful or woeful? Winter sports enthusiasts and those in agriculture would happily welcome lots of snowfall, while winter-wary people may not be as excited about what winter has to bring.
Earlier stories came out in October stating that Environment Canada may be predicting a mild winter, even with an incoming La Nina. Last year’s mild winter was attributed to El Nino.
Did you know that last year, Saskatchewan had the fourth-warmest winter in 77 years? Will this year be another?
However, not snow fast! The Canadian Edition of the Old Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a cool, wet winter for southern Saskatchewan which includes snow in the first week of December. The last month of 2024 could be unbrr-ievable as this weather resource is also saying a bitter cold holiday season in December.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac is the longest continuously published periodical in North America, having been released every year since 1792. The Canadian version of the almanack began publication in 1982. Their staff utilize historical data to try and predict the weather in an area up to a year and a half in advance. They are lauded for having an 80% accuracy rate.
The OFA is predicting consistent snow cover for the southern prairies, welcome news to dry lands across the province.
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Regardless of which forecast you follow, or which weather resource you rely on, winter weather is always a sure topic around our coffee tables. Whether you love what winter brings or you loathe it, Old Man Winter is on its way.
