Sprawling 3,500+ km ‘weather-free zone’ to emerge over Canada
Looking for exciting weather? You’ve got to head south or east
The vast majority of Canada’s population will see a distinct lack of rambunctious weather as we head into the start of this weekend—which is great news if you’ve got any outdoor plans.
From Victoria to Ottawa, more than 70 per cent of Canada’s population will likely see no active weather between late Friday and early Saturday. The expansive nature of this ‘weather-free zone’ will extend south of the border to cover 34 states during the same time period.
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The culprits include high pressure and weak systems
We’re on track for a quiet stretch of weather largely due to a sprawling area of high pressure dominating the pattern. High pressure suppresses convection—blocking the development of rain and snow—while also deflecting active weather around regions under its influence.
Widespread high pressure will dominate the continent from California to Tennessee and stretch deep into Central Canada.
Another driving force is the presence of several weak systems across Canada right now.
A weakening cold front over Ontario won’t be strong enough to trigger much precipitation in the province. Another clipper developing over the Prairies will lack the moisture needed to produce rain or snow.
As a result, tens of millions of people across Canada and the U.S. will see a mixture of sun and clouds, enjoying a pleasant but brief respite from active springtime weather.
Active weather across Eastern Canada and the U.S. South
Not everybody is on the receiving end of these atmospheric fortunes.
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A slow-moving, moisture-laden system moving through Eastern Canada will bring bouts of heavy rain to portions of Quebec and Atlantic Canada, kicking off the weekend on a gloomy note across those regions.
Widespread heavy rain and thunderstorms are also likely across the southeastern United States, including any vacationers in Florida. Some areas could see 100+ mm of rain through early next week.
Header image created using satellite from NOAA and graphics from Canva.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across Canada.