It’s the beginning of January, and a time when we can typically see some big snowstorms span much of the of the country. An unusually quiet pattern takes hold for most of Canada’s population however, with no major storms on the horizon.
Aside from the lingering remnants of the weekend storm over Atlantic Canada, there’s really nothing to worry about in terms of impactful winter weather this week.
Baron – Jet stream plunges south – Jan7
RELATED: Parts of Eastern Canada see prolonged snow due to reverse storm track
“There are still a few smaller systems that will impact Canadians, but the big storms that bring widespread heavy snow don’t look to show up in the near future,” says Matt Grinter, a meteorologist at The Weather Network.
This is thanks to the jet stream pattern for the next seven days, which really isn’t conducive to winter storms for most of Canada through this first half of January.
Baron – Atmospheric moisture – Jan7
“A ridge in the west protects British Columbia, and fails to bring a lot of moisture into the Prairies, and a trough in the east will keep the jet stream stateside for the most part,” Grinter adds.
SEE ALSO: Extremely dry winter pattern on the way for B.C.
This is also what is keeping the colder weather locked in the east for such an extended period of time. In Toronto, Ont., we are actually looking at the possibility of seeing the longest stretch of below-freezing temperatures in at least three years, perhaps more.
Baron – Cold temperature pattern – Jan7
DON’T MISS: Strong temperature flip takes hold of Canada this week. See where you land
Parts of Quebec, Atlantic Canada threatened with heavy snow due to blocking pattern
The strong blocking pattern over the north Atlantic means that the powerful storm, which tracked into Atlantic Canada over the weekend won’t just track out to sea. Instead, it will stall and meander over the region for most of the week as it slowly weakens.
As a result, widespread windy conditions will continue through most of the week, along with rain and snow showers. The heaviest precipitation will be across Labrador, where some rain and widespread heavy snow are likely with impressive snow totals.
Will January end on a stormy note?
We should see a more active and stormy pattern develop during the second half of the month, as the focus of the coldest weather shifts back west, and a milder pattern eventually returns to the eastern U.S.
SEE ALSO: January is Canada’s snowiest month. Here’s what you can expect
This pattern should allow for the development of Colorado and Texas Lows that can tap into Gulf moisture and bring impactful winter weather. Afterall, January is Canada’s snowiest month.
WATCH: Temperature flip: Will you be getting a warm-up or cool-down this week?
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