The Weather Network's Winter Outlook: the Return to a Stormier Winter Season

Active Weather, HD and Winter Programming in the Forecast

OAKVILLE, ON, Nov. 24 /CNW/ - The Weather Network has just announced its winter outlook for the months of December, January and February.  After a mild season last winter, La Nina conditions, which have developed in the Equatorial Pacific Ocean, will result in a stormier season for most Canadians across the country, marking a return to more typical winter conditions from coast to coast. Look for some extremes in weather this winter across many sections of the country, separated by spells of less inclement and more stable conditions.

In order to keep Canadians in the know about the stormy season ahead, The Weather Network offers online and mobile applications to provide immediate active weather warnings by region across the country. Active weather alerts will inform Canadians of severe weather headed their way with notifications to their mobile device or their email. Mobile applications can be downloaded at www.theweathernetwork.com/mobile and email applications at www.theweathernetwork.com/email.

So, what can Canadians specifically expect this winter?

Western Canada Conditions
Canadians living in or visiting mountainous areas of British Columbia and Alberta can expect more snow this winter than on average. The Lower Mainland of British Columbia can expect above normal precipitation for the season. Below normal temperatures are anticipated for northern areas of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and most of the Yukon and Northwest Territories.

Eastern Canada Conditions
For Canadians living east of the Ontario/Manitoba border, large swings in temperature are expected throughout the winter. Overall, though, the temperature swings are expected to balance out to near normal for the season. Near normal precipitation is expected for eastern parts of the country, with the exception of extreme Southwestern Ontario and most of Newfoundland and Labrador where above normal precipitation is expected.

And for those looking to get a head start on holiday shopping or travel for the Thanksgiving Holiday to the U.S., conditions look favourable across most of the country.  The snowy and very cold weather across the Prairies and northern plains states will be easing by the end of the week, but chillier weather with lake-effect snow is likely across the Great Lakes.

The Weather Network's Winter Outlook is now available online at www.theweathernetwork.com/outlook.

High Definition and Winter Programming
This winter, The Weather Network will be broadcast nationally in High Definition, and will debut a new look for consumers on analog or standard definition television, with revitalized maps and backgrounds.

On December 6^th, winter programming will return on The Weather Network. In addition to the forecasts available year-round, The Weather Network will once again provide Canadians with Highway Conditions (also available online) and the Driving Hazard index on television. Additionally, Ski & Snowboard Conditions will be broadcast on the television network and will be available on www.theweathernetwork.com, as well as through the mobile site.  As always, the latest conditions and forecasts are always one click away with the online application, WeatherEye.

"The weather affects people at the most local level, and once again this winter we are helping to keep Canadians safe and informed of the latest winter weather conditions and forecasts," said Mitch Charron, Vice President of Television at The Weather Network. "From the transition to HD programming to weather warnings, we want Canadians to know they can count on us to give them reliable and up to date weather information for their region."

Canadians can contact their local cable or satellite provider to inquire about the availability of The Weather Network in High Definition for their region.

About The Weather Network and MétéoMédia
The Weather Network and its French counterpart, MétéoMédia, are among the most popular media brands in Canada. They are the undisputed leader of weather information services in Canada across all mediums including cable, satellite, online, mobile and newspapers. The specialty television networks are among the most widely distributed and frequently consulted television networks in Canada. The websites, theweathernetwork.com and meteomedia.com, are among Canada's leading web services. All mobile carriers now distribute The Weather Network and MétéoMédia on their services. As the leading source of weather services in the commercial market, energy companies, municipalities, road services and numerous other commercial clients have their weather information needs met by The Weather Network and MétéoMédia. The growth of The Weather Network and MétéoMédia can be attributed to the continued focus and commitment put into providing the very best weather information to Canadians whose activities are dependent on weather.

For further information:

or to arrange an interview with a meteorologist about the Winter Outlook or for more information about The Weather Network, please contact:

Deanna Langton
PR Coordinator, The Weather Network
905.829.1159 ext. 1358
[email protected]

Whitney Shanfield
High Road Communications for The Weather Network
416-644-1398
[email protected]