Unusually Cold Winter in the U.S. and Canada: Forecast and Implications

The unusually cold winter in the United States and Canada has garnered much attention. Some meteorologists predict that this cold spell may continue into late March or early April. While the calendar ends its winter on February 28th, the harsh weather often persists well into June.

Winter in the U.S. and Canada (December to February or Later)

Winter is a time of fun and activities, but it comes with its own set of challenges if one is not properly prepared. Average winter temperatures in regions of Canada and the U.S. range from -10 to -15 degrees Celsius. However, with wind chill, these temperatures can feel much colder, making outdoor activities more difficult.

Regional Variations in Winter Weather

The duration and intensity of winter depend greatly on geographical location. For instance, in Eastern Ontario, where this author resides, the winter has not been exceptionally harsh. While past winters have been even colder, current long-range forecasts predict mostly above-normal temperatures by March 11th.

For regions dependent on propane for heating, the winter can be particularly challenging. Propane prices have increased significantly, with the worst spots seeing a 20% rise compared to previous years. The author explains that this price hike is surprising, especially since the lowest prices are usually seen at the start of the winter season.

Unlocking Propane Prices

The author had considered locking in a price for the winter but ultimately decided against it, citing potential further price increases of around an additional 20%. Despite the unpredictability, the author notes that the highest propane cost in the past 15 winters was around $3,100, which was surpassed in February and is projected to exceed $4,000 by April.

The Cyclic Nature of Earth’s Climate: From Global Warming to Cooling

According to astrophysicist Corby, the cyclic nature of the earth’s changing climate has moved us from a global warming trend into a global cooling pattern, similar to the Dalton Minimum conditions of 1790 to 1830. Corby explains that the sun’s energy output has a significant influence on sea temperatures, which in turn impact the earth’s climate.

Implications of Grand Solar Minimum Conditions

Under the conditions of a Grand Solar Minimum, the jet stream is expected to become more erratic, leading to more dramatic temperature fluctuations. Specifically, late springs may experience cooler and shorter summers, autumns may be shorter, and winters may see heavier snowfall. Furthermore, these conditions are predicted to result in increased crop failures.

Global Temperature Trends

Global average temperatures reached their peak in 2016, and there is a gradual cooling trend expected due to twin low solar energy output cycles. This ongoing cooling effect is projected to persist, meaning that the unusually cold winters in North America may transition into unusually cool and short spring and summer seasons.

In conclusion, the unusually cold winter in the U.S. and Canada is part of a larger climate pattern. Understanding these patterns and preparing accordingly can help individuals and communities better manage the challenges of fluctuating temperatures and their associated impacts.