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Drier, sunnier winter predicted

Islanders can expect a drier than usual winter, if one long-term forecast is accurate.Much of BC will be drier than usual, said Accuweather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson, who said residents can expect colder nights, but more sunshine."We were expecting El Nino in the summer, but it didn't happen so now we're expecting a weak El Nino, or no El Nino at all." Mr. Anderson said we are in the cold phase of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, which could last decades and means that colder water keeps temperatures down.He said we can expect a less-stormy winter than usual as the high pressure system closer to Alaska blocks storms from the west. Also, we will not have a La Nina this year, which happened during the last two years and causes an increase in storm activity.Bad news for surfers. They'll will be disappointed to hear that Mr. Anderson predicts fewer waves this year, "less storminess means less swell," he said, but said it will probably be a good year for skiing for people who travel to the mainland.