How Human-Caused Climate Change is Shaping Weather Extremes: Insights from Climate Scientists

On July 17, 2025, Environment and Climate Change Canada announced their latest research on climate change. Scientists are studying how our climate has evolved over the decades. This research helps us understand future changes and how human activities contribute to extreme weather, including unusual heat and cold events.

This summer, scientists are using a special tool called the Rapid Extreme Weather Event Attribution system. Last summer, they looked at 37 major heat waves in Canada. They concluded that climate change made these heat events much more likely.

In fact, two recent heat waves in Canada were at least two to ten times more probable due to human-caused climate change. Here’s a snapshot of those events:

• Yukon (June 20-23): High of 22.0 °C—6.5 °C above normal.
• Alberta (May 28-31): High of 28.8 °C—11.3 °C above normal.

To analyze these events, scientists compare today’s climate data with historical records from the pre-industrial era (1850 to 1900). This approach helps answer the important question: “What role did human-caused climate change play in this event?” It yields clear results that everyone can understand.

This winter, researchers also started looking at cold weather events. As our planet warms, extreme cold is becoming rare. This research is vital for Canadians as it shows real-time effects of climate change on their lives and weather.

Canadians are urged to keep an eye on weather forecasts and take alerts seriously. It’s wise to have an emergency plan and be ready to adjust travel plans accordingly.

Interestingly, climate-related extreme weather events are on the rise. In the past, disasters causing over $500 million in damages were rare, but now they happen almost every year. Between 2020 and 2023, these years ranked among the highest for insurance claims caused by severe weather, according to recent data from Statistics Canada.

Experts emphasize the need for everyone to recognize the increased risks to their families and communities. The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, stated that understanding the impact of a changing climate is essential for protecting our future.

Additionally, studies show that rising temperatures contribute to longer dry seasons, which heightens the risk of wildfires. With the urgency of climate issues, staying informed and prepared is more critical than ever.

Want real-time updates? Canadians can download the WeatherCAN app, which sends weather alerts directly to your phone, keeping you prepared for severe weather.

In summary, the message is clear: climate change is reshaping our weather patterns in significant ways. By staying informed and prepared, we can protect ourselves and our communities.

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