A new Alberta early winter forecast isn't quite like the rest of them
El Niño impacts have been whispered time and time again in early winter forecasts for Alberta, but one outlook is hinting at big, cold moments for the province.
While we recently got the scoop on what may be in store weather-wise for September in Alberta, the Farmers’ Almanac Canada winter forecast for 2026–2027 is calling for a season of dramatic contrasts.
“The Prairie provinces winter forecast may contain some of Canada’s most dramatic temperature swings,” the forecast stated, with Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba should prepare for periodic surges of Arctic cold, dangerous wind chills, strong winds, blowing snow, and possible blizzard conditions.
The almanac emphasizes that the “key word is periodic,” with Alberta seeing more of a chance of getting periods of relatively milder weather that may be followed by sudden southward dives of bitter Arctic air, rather than one uninterrupted season-long deep freeze.
“That can create substantial temperature swings in a matter of days. Alberta could experience especially abrupt changes when milder Pacific or Chinook-influenced air collides with incoming Arctic air.”
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Despite the chatter of Arctic blasts, our pals to the east may fare much worse this winter. Saskatchewan and Manitoba may have a harder time shaking the cold once Arctic high pressure becomes established, and fast-moving winter systems may also contribute to sudden snow and wind events across them.
As for when the worst of the winter weather may appear, the Farmers’ Almanac is pegging January and February as having the greatest potential for some of the winter’s harsher cold outbreaks.
As we progress into winter, OpenSnow, a U.S. based forecast service, is calling for above-normal temperatures for a large swath of Alberta, including areas like Edmonton, Red Deer, Calgary, Lethbridge, and Medicine Hat.
You can view the full Farmers’ Almanac Canada winter forecast for 2026–2027 online.