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Calgary’s surprising fall heat wave hits 7 day streak

A view of Downtown Calgary, featuring the Saddledome and Calgary Tower. Global News / Dani Lantela

CALGARY – Calgary’s fall heat wave continued for a seventh straight day on Thursday.

According to Global Calgary Meteorologist Jordan Witzel, a heat wave doesn’t actually require scorching hot temperatures.

“It is generally considered a heat wave when temperatures rise 5 C above the seasonal average for three or more consecutive days,” explained Witzel.

The seasonal average for Calgary at this time of year is 0 C, but the city has experienced temperatures well above that for a full week.

A graph shows the duration of a heat wave in Calgary which began on Friday, Nov. 27, 2015.
A graph shows the duration of a heat wave in Calgary which began on Friday, Nov. 27, 2015. Global News

“It’s still very likely to stretch right through next week,” suggested Witzel. “The first five days of this can be attributed to El Nino influences. Now Chinook winds have taken over and look to be the main factor that will keep this warmth around in the days to come. Of course, El Nino is helping in the overall pattern too.”

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