REGINA, Sask. — Senior Meteorologist at Environment Canada, Matt Albers, says that "currently, the El Niño climate is strengthening. It's predicted to reach its maximum intensity between October and December".
Albers suggests that this could mean a milder Winter.
"Because the jet streams still ebbs and flows, like it will go north and south of Regina, you're still going to get winter events — so those winter events will still bring you some cold conditions at times with some snow — but on average it should be more mild compared to last year," says Albers.
While El Niño has not kicked into full effect yet, warmer weather has begun to take effect in Regina, which has been good for seasonal businesses like golf courses and ice cream shops.
Manager of popular Regina ice cream shop — Milky Way — says that "September is generally slower just because everyone is back to work, kids are back to school, but we are definitely noticing an up-trend on being busier during the afternoons and the evenings now that it's warmer".
Gus Vogelsang, the PGA of Canada Head Professional for the Lakeland Golf Group of Companies says that the warmer weather has been good for business, especially since many golfers were rained out in recent weeks.
"We haven't had any frost in the mornings, which we usually have this time of year," says Vogelsang.
Albers says that "in the fall though, we'll probably see more seasonal conditions until El Niño fully ramps up".
