Parts of New Brunswick could see 1st significant snowfall Thursday night

Central and southern New Brunswick could get an early taste of winter Thursday, with "significant snowfall" possible, according toEnvironment Canada.

The agency has issued a special weather statement, advising that up to 15 cm of snow could fall between late Thursday night and early Friday morning.

"Precipitation may begin as rain for some areas, but will transition to snow as temperatures drop below the freezing mark Thursday night," the alert issued Wednesday said.

"Travel could become difficult with accumulating snow during the overnight hours. If you must travel, be prepared for delays and allow extra time to reach your destination.Motorists should be prepared for winter driving conditions."

The advisory is in effect for:

• Fredericton and southern York County.
• Fundy National Park.
• Grand Lake and Queens County.
• Kent County.
• Kouchibouguac National Park.
• Miramichi and area.
• Moncton and southeast New Brunswick.
• Oromocto and Sunbury County.
• Saint John and County.
• St. Stephen and northern Charlotte County.
• Stanley,Doaktown, Blackvillearea.
• Sussex,Kennebecasis Valley and Kings County.
• Woodstock and Carleton County.

'Low confidence' about track of system

According to the Weather Network,a "messy" low-pressure system tracking through the U.S. Northeast and into Atlantic Canada is to blame for the late-fall "wintry punch," andthere is "low confidence" on where the heaviest amounts of snow could fall.

"The first scenario has the system moving south of Nova Scotia, bringing the heaviest snow into northern areas of the province and southern New Brunswick," a notice posted on its website Tuesday night said.

"The second would see it track through the Bay of Fundy and brings the heaviest snow into New Brunswick. It still brings snow to Nova Scotia, but wouldn't be as heavy.

People are urged to continue to monitor alerts and forecasts.

Fewer 'pure snowstorms' predicted this winter

Meanwhile, the Weather Network has also issued its national winter forecast for 2024-25, which calls for "fewer pure snowstorms" across the Maritimes.

"Traditional winter weather will show up at times," in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and P.E.I.,according to the forecast, released Thursday. But stretches of milder weather are expected to outdothe colder periods, "especially during January and February," it said.

"Below-normal snowfall is expected with fewer than normal nor'easters,"but the region will still getits share of "high-impact winter storms."

Many storms are expected to bring "a messy mix of snow, ice, and rain, especially across Nova Scotia and near the Bay of Fundy," according to the website. And many areas "will struggle to maintain consistent snow cover due to the periods of milder temperatures and rain."