Canadian Gardening: The Weathernetwork has finally released their fall forecast, 1 by Lilypon

Lilypon wrote:
General Outlook

Near to below normal precipitation is expected to dominate the country for September, October and November following a summer which saw records broken for precipitation across parts of Central and Eastern Canada. The active weather gave Canadians many opportunities to photograph active or unusual weather. Over 52,000 photos and videos were submitted by viewers online at theweathernetwork.com during June, an increase of 116% over the previous June.

“The water temperature in the tropical Pacific has an impact on global weather patterns,” said Chris Scott, Forecast Operations Manager with The Weather Network. La Nina which is defined by cooler water in the east-central Pacific Ocean and El Nino characterized by warmer water, are common weather phenomena in the region however this year, the water temperature was relatively normal. “Normal water temperatures in the tropical Pacific make it more difficult to predict seasonal global weather patterns and how the jet stream will direct storms. This summer, we got stuck in a jet stream pattern over Ontario and Quebec that resulted in unusually stormy weather.”

Fall Precipitation Outlook

The storm track also known as the polar jet stream will sink across British Columbia and then rise across the Northern Prairie provinces and into Northeastern Canada. This jet stream pattern will allow dry and relatively warm air to spread across most regions of the country resulting in near normal to below normal precipitation. The exception may be across parts of Quebec where near to above normal precipitation is expected.

Fall Temperature Outlook

Near normal to above normal temperatures for the fall are expected for the majority of the country. The only area with below normal temperatures forecasted is Southwestern British Columbia.

Hurricane Season

An active hurricane season is expected in the North Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Named storms are expected to number 14-18, with 7-10 hurricanes and 3-6 major hurricanes forecasted. A storm reaches hurricane strength when sustained winds reach 119 km/hr. Warmer Atlantic Ocean sea surface temperatures, the lingering effect of the phenomenon known as La Nina and reduced upper wind shear will favour an active Atlantic hurricane season.

Provincial Outlook Region Outlook

British Columbia Most regions of British Columbia can expect near normal temperatures for the fall with the exception of Southwestern regions which look to trend below normal. Northern British Columbia will experience below normal precipitation.

Prairie Provinces The temperature outlook for Manitoba, Northern Saskatchewan and Alberta is for above normal temperatures. Northwest and southeast regions will be dominated by below normal precipitation.

Ontario & Québec The majority of residents in Ontario will experience near normal temperatures and precipitation. Residents in Southwestern Ontario should expect above normal temperatures and below normal rainfall for the period. An area of above normal precipitation is expected through Central and Southern Quebec.

Atlantic Canada Above normal temperatures will dominate Northern Labrador and the Maritime provinces. Western Labrador is expected to receive above normal precipitation.

Northern Canada Near normal temperatures will dominate the region with the exception of south-central regions where above normal temperatures will prevail. Below normal precipitation is expected in Southern Yukon and Northwest Territories.
http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather_outlooks/2008_fall