The long-range forecast from Environment Canada is looking like we will see less snow and more mild temperatures this winter.

“Our long-range winter forecast is for December, January, February, is for above-average temperatures, and below average precipitation,” said Terri Lang, Meteorologist with Environment Canada.

She said this doesn’t mean the winter will be warm and dry, however.

“That’s the general forecast, it doesn’t mean it’s not going to get cold, it doesn’t mean it’s not going to snow, it just means, if you average everything out over that three month period, that it’ll come out on those averages.”

She noted, however, the long-range forecast isn’t always able to predict accurately what will actually happen.

“In the fall, we forecast a mild fall, and it turned out to be one of the top ten coldest on record, so the long-range forecasts don’t always work out as they’re supposed to,” she said.

Considering there will likely be more melting than usual for the winter months, icy road conditions may be more common this winter. Before embarking on any road trip, remember to check highway conditions HERE.