Canada is expected to see warm and humid weather this summer. “While this may be welcome news for those who are missing the sunshine, it also brings with it the risks of drought, wildfires and severe thunderstorms,” warns Doug Gillham, chief meteorologist for The Weather Network.
According to The Weather Network’s summer forecast for June through August, much of Canada is expected to see above-average temperatures, which could lead to a variety of weather events.
Eastern and Central Canada – Hot and humid weather and severe thunderstorms
Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic coast are expected to see a hot and humid summer.
High humidity will increase the likelihood of severe thunderstorms, and temperatures are expected to remain high at night. Heat waves could begin before July, but they are unlikely to be sustained, except in areas west of the Great Lakes.
The Ontario-Manitoba border is expected to see warmer and drier conditions, which could significantly increase the risk of wildfires. Some areas are already experiencing evacuations due to wildfires, and conditions are likely to be in place throughout the summer for a single spark to ignite into a major disaster.
Climate change is also changing the current weather forecasting standards.
Based on the average of the past 30 years, the average summer temperature in Canada has increased by about 2 degrees since the late 1940s. This is creating conditions that make wildfires, heat waves, and droughts more frequent and more severe, Gilham explained.
The southern Prairies, including southern Alberta, southern Saskatchewan, and southern Manitoba, are expected to experience severe drought. Rainfall is expected to be lower than average, while temperatures are expected to be higher, raising concerns about agricultural damage and water shortages. However, conditions are expected to be somewhat better than in 2012, the worst year in recent years.
The northern Prairies are still expected to have a hot summer, but rainfall is expected to remain at normal levels.
The British Columbia (BC) coast is expected to see near-normal temperatures and precipitation, while the central and southern interior regions are expected to see a hotter and drier summer. The northern regions are also expected to see higher temperatures and should be closely monitored for wildfires. However, the western Yukon is expected to see near-normal temperatures and heavy rain, while northern Baffin Island is expected to see near-normal weather.
This year is expected to see a continued increase in above-average hurricane activity since 2016. Storms could approach the northeastern United States or Atlantic Canada, depending on the jet stream, and Ontario and Quebec could be indirectly affected.
The Maritimes and western Newfoundland are expected to see warmer than normal temperatures and more rain, although occasional cold fronts may cause changes. Eastern Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador are expected to see near-normal precipitation.