It may be a wet start to the summer for many Canadians, but don’t worry: the heat is expected to arrive, it may just be a little later than normal.
According to Global News chief meteorologist Anthony Farnell, August will be the hottest and driest month for most of Canada.
“It’s been a cool June across much of country and wet in a lot of places,” Farnell said. “But we are expecting it to get hotter.”
He added it’s still uncertain how exactly the weather will unfold because this isn’t a year for El Niño or La Niña. This makes it difficult to predict weather trends, said Farnell.
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The danger of wildfires is expected to be lower this summer. Forest fires are still a risk in the West, but in terms of severe weather, Canadians should expect to see more thunderstorms.
“Watch out for this severe weather in the Prairies, Ontario and Quebec,” Farnell said.
Breaking it down by region
British Columbia/Alberta
The next two months are going to be above normal for British Columbia and parts of Alberta. The weather is going to be hotter, dryer and sunnier in this region, especially in August.
The Prairies
Farnell expects the weather in the Prairies will be similar to B.C. The temperature in June has been cool so far, but the area should heat up in July and August. Overall, the temperature in this region will be slightly above normal but “not extreme,” Farnell said.
Ontario/Quebec
Ontario and Quebec experienced a lot of rain this spring. Around 150 municipalities in Quebec have been affected by flooding and Lake Ontario water levels approached a record set in 1973. June hasn’t been any better and the beginning of July will be another wet time for the region.
But it will heat up.
“People are tired of the rain,” Farnell said. “August should have the warmest temperature and sunny skies.”
Overall, the weather in this region will be “going to be back and forth” over the summer, he said. There will be some heat, humidity and days over 30 C, but there won’t be any prolonged heat waves because of the wet weather.
The Maritimes
Atlantic Canada could experience above normal temperatures, but there is still quite a bit of rain in the forecast.
Farnell said it also looks like an active hurricane season.
“There have been two quiet years for hurricanes and it looks like there could be an uptick coming. But it’s hard to forecast if it will arrive in the Atlantic,” he said.
If you’re looking to plan out your summer, try the Global News Skytracker weather app: it’s a great tool to get up-to-date weather information.