Slow start gives way to a week of harsh heat as the warmest season gets its time to shine.
Summer is officially here, with days staying well above 30 degrees to welcome in July.
While these toasty temperatures were welcome by many, David Philips, senior climatologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, notes that we should not expect this extreme heat trend to continue for long.
Rather than expecting long stretches of intense heat, Phillips says residents should prepare for a season of changing conditions with shorter warm spells mixed in with cooler temperatures.
“So, my sense here is what I think the forecast is is going to bring, we’re going to see what I would describe it as comfortable, an average kind of summer. There will be warm moments, but they won’t be like two weeks long. They might be two or three days long, and then you’ll get into some cooler weather. It’s going to be healthier weather, because the forest fire situation in Ontario is just a fraction of what it was last year.”
Last summer saw upwards of 27 days above 30 degrees in the Toronto area. Phillips said this year is tracking closer to the normal range of around 16 such days, with fewer smog days and better air quality overall thanks to reduced wildfire activity across the province.
He added that while summer was slow to arrive, it is not going anywhere quickly either.
“Now we’re looking at the I think what’s going to happen is that summer is going to be kind of delayed. It could very well be that now come Labor Day, the summer weather is not over. We may very well see summer weather in September, and maybe even October.”
For July and August, Phillips said residents should expect the typical dog days of summer to bring some heat and humidity but warned against assuming those conditions will stick around for long.
“There will be heat and humidity. There always be something to complain about. But I think the general flavor and the personality of the weather ahead this summer is going to be the best for the most.”
When severe weather does arrive, Phillips said it tends to be short-lived and should not keep people from enjoying the outdoors.
With conditions expected to shift from week to week, Phillips encouraged residents to check the forecast before heading out and to use radar tools to plan around storms rather than let them cancel plans altogether.
“I think we have to be weather wise and keep an eye on the sky and don’t leave home without knowing what the weather conditions are going to be and that will able to maximize your pleasure for from the weather this particular warm season.”
He said being weather aware is especially important for parents and anyone spending time outdoors with family.
