Edmonton closes book on warmest October on record

As Edmonton welcomes in a new month, the region is closing the books on the warmest October it’s seen since records began.

On Oct. 31, the daytime high was 8 C, which is double what it was for Oct. 31 last year (4 C).

The mean temperature for October 2022 was 9.6 C, almost one full degree over October 2021.

“Normally, we should be seeing a mean temperature in October for Edmonton of 5.1 degrees, so this puts us 4.5 degrees above normal,” Global Edmonton weather specialist Phil Darlington said.

“To beat out a record by basically a full degree is a big deal.”

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Edmonton topped the previous October record from 1944, when the mean temperature for the whole month was 8.7 C.

“This is the warmest October Edmonton has seen in 142 years when records began,” said Darlington.

This August was also Edmonton’s warmest one on record.

Grande Prairie also had its warmest October ever, according to Environment Canada data. And the region experienced its second driest October on record this year.

“Because of prolonged warmth and heat, our forest fire season was extended, which was reflected in our poor air quality,” Darlington said. It also created drought issues in some areas.