It’s about to get hot in Canada! This week, southern Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba are gearing up for a stretch of warm weather. Temperatures might soar above 32°C for several days.
Environment and Climate Change Canada predicts highs over 30°C in Regina and Saskatoon from Tuesday to Saturday, possibly extending into Sunday. In Manitoba, southern areas like Brandon and Winnipeg can expect similar warmth starting Thursday. Medicine Hat in Alberta is already seeing temperatures climbing above 30°C, with rising humidity and a chance of thunderstorms.
David Phillips, a senior climatologist at Environment and Climate Change Canada, calls this a significant heat event. For instance, he notes that Winnipeg could hit 36°C on Wednesday. That’s 15 degrees warmer than usual for this time of year. The unusual warmth comes right after a chilly spring, where some regions still had ice on lakes.
This drastic shift reflects a pattern we’ve seen in recent years—a back-and-forth in weather. As Phillips puts it, “we’ve had cold, then heat, then back to cold, with frost following heat waves.” It’s not just confusing; it’s indicative of changing climate patterns.
The Weather Network warns that high humidity will be a factor. While some people may welcome the warmer temperatures, it’s worth noting that the Prairies have experienced a cooler-than-average spring overall. For example, Winnipeg was 2.5°C below normal in March, 3°C below in April, and 2.2°C below in May.
Despite this sudden warmth being a relief for many, there has been a silver lining. The cooler weather helped reduce wildfire risks significantly. Last year, over 315,000 hectares of forest burned by late May, compared to about 16,808 hectares burned this year thus far. However, as temperatures rise and thunderstorms become more likely, the fire risk may increase again.
Phillips attributes these shifts to changes in atmospheric circulation, tied to climate change. This can sometimes lead to colder winters, which can surprise skeptics of climate science. “Global warming can create a colder winter because it affects circulation patterns,” he explains.
As we all adjust to these rapid temperature changes, it’s a good reminder to stay hydrated, seek shade, and check in on those who might need help during the heat.
For more insights on how climate change is affecting our weather patterns, you can check this detailed report from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.
