Published on January 26, 2024 at 4:28 p.m.
From coast to coast, Canadians will feel the effects of an exceptionally strong, straight-line 10,000 km long jet stream. This will lead to unusual weather conditions. Explanations.
10,000 km long
This creates a straight jet stream that stretches more than 10,000 kilometers across the Pacific Ocean from China to British Columbia. This will have significant consequences. The effects of the weather are expected to be felt until the end of January and may last into February.
An atmospheric river
This jet stream is very powerful. This leads, among other things, to a series of atmospheric rivers. This phenomenon is defined by a long and narrow band of moisture concentrated in the tropics. There will be heavy rain, especially on the west coast of the USA up to British Columbia. We expect between 150 and 300 mm of rain is forecast for much of British Columbia through the end of January. Given the very mild weather, this is bad news for the region's ski resorts.
Less impact on Quebec
The polar cold is pushed north and into Alaska, creating an intense ridge of warm air. By the end of January, temperatures are expected to be 10 to 20 degrees above seasonal norms, especially in the prairies. The effects of this atmospheric context will be less noticeable here. In fact, Quebec and the Maritimes won't be on the right side of the continent to experience such clemency. Still, the province will feel a northerly flow that will keep temperatures below freezing most of the time. Although it will not be 5 to 10 degrees like elsewhere in the country, extreme cold will still be avoided. However, we should stay close to normal.
In collaboration with Kevin Cloutier, meteorologist.