After a fall that averaged near to above normal quenched by November cold and snow. Winter 2017/18 is likely to have even more temperature swings, more than we saw last year with swings from the minus 30s to near the all time highs in mere weeks.
Winter should finish off with near to below normal temperatures and generally lower snowfall outside of the rocky mountains and foothills.
The Main factor in play this season is a moderate La Nina, and favors below normal temperatures but may be moderated by other factors such as the AO, PDO, and NAO
While December is very mild; January will likely see the coldest temperatures of the season, possibly into February and the stubborn cold May linger well into March making for a late spring.
December: Well above normal temperatures and very dry. A small amount of snow might save Edmonton and Calgary from a brown Christmas. It may only be 5cm or so but it’s enough to make Christmas white
January: Very cold at times, remaining dry.
February: chance of a thaw but overall near to colder than normal. Snowfall close to normal.
Real significant snowfall might not come until February or March as the dominant air masses in play are very low in moisture content.
The risk of blizzards is higher than a normal winter as the chance of high winds is higher.
AlbertaWX - Central Alberta Storm Chasers 