Summer 2018: Canada's Winners & Losers
theweathernetwork.com
Thursday, June 21, 2018, 11:37 AM - Summer weather has burst onto the scene across much of Canada, but parts of the country may face some challenges the deeper into the season we go.
For an in-depth look, check out our official 2018 Summer Forecast by The Weather Network's own Dr. Doug Gillham -- or, keep reading to see who will be this year's weather 'winners' and 'losers'.
WINNERS
Heat lovers: "This summer looks to be a warmer version of the pattern we saw across Canada last year, with the hottest weather anchored over western Canada," Chris Scott, Chief Meteorologist at The Weather Network explains. "Ontario and Quebec will once again escape the hottest weather, but this summer will bring more heat than last summer."
(Visit our COMPLETE GUIDE TO SUMMER 2018 for an in depth look at the Summer Forecast, tips to plan for it and much more)
Storm chasers: A stormy summer is expected across southern Ontario and southern Quebec. While we do not expect more rainy days than normal across this region, heavy rainfall at times will bring above normal totals to much of this region.
Evening strolls and camping on the East Coast: A cool start to the season during June should give way to more consistent warm weather during July and August. A humid summer is expected which should result in warmer than normal temperatures at night, especially across southern areas.
LOSERS
Air Quality: Wildfires will be a growing concern later in the summer, especially across British Columbia and into the Prairies with a hot and dry season for most of the west. Smoke from wildfires in forests and grasslands can be a major source of air pollution for Canadians. The fine particles in the smoke can be a serious risk to health, particularly for children, seniors and those with heart or lung disease. Because smoke may be carried thousands of kilometres downwind, distant locations can be affected almost as severely as areas close to the fire.
Extended Summer Weather in the Great Lakes: In contrast to last year when the most consistent heat was during September and even into early October, this year we are watching the potential for an earlier arrival of cooler weather as we head into the fall season with the threat for an earlier than normal ending to the growing season.
Agriculture: Widespread drought conditions are already in place across parts of the central and eastern Prairies, with the dry pattern expected to resume for much of the summer with worsening drought conditions.
