Climatologist predicts very mild winter in Saskatchewan

Even with an incoming La Niña, this winter could be one of the 10 mildest on record in Saskatchewan.

That’s according to David Phillips, senior climatologist with Environment Canada.

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Last year Saskatchewan experienced a fairly mild winter due to El Niño, a phenomenon which occurs when Pacific waters are warmer than average, resulting in a warmer and drier winter.

“It didn’t cancel winter, but boy it certainly made it less brutal than it would normally be,” Phillips told CKOM Morning show host Mark Loshack on Thursday.

Listen to the full interview with Phillips:

“For example, in Saskatoon you had 23 days where the temperature was below minus 20. Normally, you have 47 of those suckers,” he said

This winter will be influenced by a La Niña, which could result in lower temperatures in Saskatchewan compared to last year.

But Phillips said he’s not anticipating a harsh winter, as this La Niña is expected to be weaker as the Pacific water temperatures will not be as cold as previous cycles.

“La Niñas have not been the bogeyman they were in the past,” he said. “I don’t think It’s going to be tough, really.”

Phillips noted that this winter may bring more air from the north than from the south. He also expects a significant amount of westerly air, resulting in melting, snowfall, and freezing across the province.

Last year, Phillips said Saskatchewan had the fourth-warmest winter in 77 years, and he predicted that this winter could also be one of the 10 mildest ever recorded.