Farmers’ Almanac forecast predicts Ontario winter, and it’s not pretty

The Farmers’ Almanac is looking ahead to the winter, revealing what’s likely in store for Canadians: cold temperatures and more snow.

The long-range weather predicting publication issued its Extended Winter Weather Forecast on Tuesday, focused on the U.S. and Canada.

“Got flannel? Hot chocolate? Snowshoes? If not, you may want to go get some,” they wrote.

“According to our extended forecasts, 2022-2023 will be remembered as a time to shake, shiver, and shovel — a winter season filled with plenty of snow, rain, and mush as well as some record-breaking cold temperatures!”

The Farmers’ Almanac extended winter weather forecast. Photo: Farmers’ Almanac.

The forecast calls for several winter storms Canada-wide, noting specific areas in the south and east of the storm track, such as the Maritimes, which will see “a good number of cold rains and storms filled with snow, sleet, ice, and rain.”

“Areas north and west of this active track — Labrador, Newfoundland, Quebec, Ontario, and the Great Lakes — will more often than not see winter’s precipitation falling as snow, and sometimes a lot of it.”

The Prairie Provinces are likely to be hit the hardest in early 2023, with a lot of snow in January and February.

The cold and snow

Specifically for Ontario, the long-range forecaster says a decent amount of snow could hit the province and Quebec between January 20 and January 23.

It’s also going to be cold — very cold.

“During the month of January, Canadians may see one of the coldest arctic outbreaks in recent years,” the Farmers’ Alamanac says.

“After the vernal equinox on March 20, 2023 — when we’re supposedly into spring, expect a lion-like end to March with a wide variety of weather ranging from heavy snows to torrents of rain to gusty thunderstorms and stormy weather across much of the nation.”

Check out the full forecast, as well as what’s expected in the U.S., here.