Prairies (Rural Roots Canada) – A powerful El Niño and changing Chinook patterns could reshape winter weather across the Prairies, with implications for southeastern Alberta.

On this episode of the Rural Roots Canada podcast, meteorologist David Spence discusses the strong El Niño bringing warm, dry conditions across the Prairies. Then, University of Calgary geography professor John Yakel explains research showing a long-term decline in Chinook frequency and intensity across southeastern Alberta, linked to climate change. The trend is contributing to cooler winters and springs, potentially allowing snow to remain longer and provide moisture closer to planting season. Yakel discusses what the changing weather patterns could mean for farmers and ranchers.

This podcast is brought to you by BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada, helping farmers do the biggest job on Earth, no matter what the weather.

Listen to our previous podcast: RRC Podcast S2E31 – Prairie weather set to take a wintry turn