Weather Network meteorologist reiterates mild temperatures coming, despite cooler days at the moment

By Jeremy Appel on September 20, 2018.

jappel@medicinehatnews.com @MHNJeremyAppel

Although the transition to autumn from summer and its cooling temperatures have hit the Hat hard, southern Alberta is shaping up to have a warmer-than-usual fall and winter, according to a Weather Network meteorologist.

“We’ve moved into a bit of a short-term pattern in the last week that really will continue for another week — maybe 10 days — where we have seen some really significant cold air setting up across the Prairies, with temperatures below normal,” said Michael Carter.

“The good news is is that’s not what we expect to be the dominant pattern for the fall.”

According to the network forecast, Alberta as a whole will have above normal temperatures in the fall, while southern Alberta will be drier than usual.

“Once we get through this period of cooler temperatures … we’ll start to see temperatures trending back up, trending milder,” said Carter.

The warmer temperatures throughout October, November and the beginning of December will average out to above-average temperatures for the entire season.

In this timespan, southern Alberta will have below normal precipitation, which Carter said could be of concern to some farmers as a preview of next year’s conditions.

“We don’t have any major concerns about that,” he said. “We’re still talking very far down the road.”

As part of its fall outlook, the Weather Network provides a tentative winter forecast, which Carter said will also be warmer than normal.

“On the whole, the news for Alberta — certainly the south and the west — would be above normal temperatures expected as we move into the winter season,” he said.

“Not only do we expect to see a gentler transition into winter this year, as these mild temperatures are setting up later in this season, but mild temperatures lingering through a lot of the winter in the season ahead.”

Those looking for a nation-wide forecast can visit the weathernetwork.com/fall.

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