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CBC
3 days ago
- Business
- CBC
Windsor-Essex is in for a summer of heat waves, thunderstorms and smoke. How should you prepare?
Social Sharing The official start of summer is weeks away on June 21 — but experts are already warning you to brace for a hot, stormy season with the looming threat of wildfire smoke. "Windsor and southern Ontario are sitting in that above normal temperature category," said Rachel Modestino, a meteorologist with The Weather Network. "One of the biggest features we're going to be seeing this summer is a heat dome." Modestino said heat waves, as the heat dome moves sluggishly from the central Unites States through the Great Lakes, can begin in Windsor-Essex in late June into July, and could be "on and off" throughout the summer. Windsor-Essex will also see thunderstorms that occur along the edges of that heat dome: Known as "Ring of Fire" thunderstorms, they occur where cooler and warmer air meet. "It'll be a combination of the thunderstorms, the Ring of Fire thunderstorms, but also the storm tracks coming up the East Coast where that high pressure is located." Modestino said wildfire smoke could also be a potential threat, travelling from northern Ontario and the prairies. Warmer, wetter summer on the way: ECCC Environment Canada senior climatologist Dave Phillips agrees. He told Windsor Morning host Amy Dodge Monday that this week, temperatures will remain in the mid to high 20s, with Tuesday expected to be the warmest day of the year so far. Philips said Environment Canada and other models suggest that Canada is going to be "warmer than normal" this summer. "All [models] saying we're going to be warm, warm, warm," he said. "There's lots of reds on the weather map I'm looking at and the redder it is, the more confident you are. Most of the computer runs are saying the same thing. We're pretty confident that it's going to be warmer than normal." Philips said the summer, according to Environment Canada's current 90-day forecast, shows "a little wetter than normal" weather for the region. 'Two to three months of extreme heat expected in Windsor-Essex by the turn of the century' Caroline Metz is the managing director of climate resilience and health at the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation at the University of Waterloo. Between 1990 and 2000, Metz said Windsor had 20 days with temperatures above 30 C. She said there has been "a noticeable increase," with that number jumping up to between 25 and 30 days in the past five years. "[Windsor-Essex is] projected to experience about 72 days of hot temperatures, that's above 30 C by the middle of the century, so 2050 to 2080. That's two and a half months of hot weather," she said. "In the latter part of the century, so 2070 to 2100, we're looking at 94 days of very hot temperatures above 30 C. That's three months of high heat." Drier weather in southwestern Ontario may impact farmers' crops How should you prepare for hazards this summer? Metz said "more intense, frequent and extreme" weather events are expected in the region. "The top three weather hazards that we need to be concerned about in Windsor and Essex [county] are flooding, extreme heat and wildfire or wildfire smoke," she said, calling extreme heat a silent killer. "Heat is really how climate change manifests most strongly." Metz said indoor overheating is a big concern: In 2021 a heat dome in B.C., saw more than 600 people die, with "98 per cent of deaths occurring indoors." To prepare for the summer heat, Metz says there are steps homeowners and tenants can take: Plant trees and plants around home. Even plants on a balcony can provide a cooling effect. Install exterior awnings on your windows. Add blinds or heat resistant curtains or window films that reduce the sun's rays coming into your home. Consider installing low emissivity windows that let sunlight in, but block solar heat. If renovating, upgrade the insulation in your home. Have a heat pump or an air conditioner or ensure you're able to get to a community cooling centre. Avoid using fans during extreme heat and use air conditioning instead if you have it. Most importantly, Metz advises people to stay connected with family and friends. "Social cohesion and social connectedness is a very big factor in heat resilience and in saving lives," she said. Metz said wildfire damage caused by burning embers coming from an existing wildfire is a threat too. She suggests people: Clear all combustible material like firewood, lumber and debris from around the home. Use as much non-combustible material as possible during construction. Use steel or fire-resistant material for fencing and decking. Install fire resistant roofing like a metal roof or class A shingles that are non combustible. Wildfire smoke is becoming an increasing threat for human health, Metz added. Fine particles that are less than 2.5 microns — roughly 30 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair — can affect the lungs and heart. She advises residents dealing with poor air quality and wildfire smoke to: Stay indoors as much as possible, if there is a warning for wildfire smoke. Seal your home. Keep windows and doors tightly closed to prevent the smoke from entering. Use an air purifier as it filters fine particles from the air. If you need to go outside, wear a well-fitted respirator, like an N95 mask. Windsor-Essex is no stranger to extreme rainfall events and flooding. Metz said the region has been experiencing a 40 per cent increase in precipitation compared to about 50 years ago and there are ways to prepare for flooding events: Resources available to affordably beat the heat Besides cooling centres and spray pads available throughout the summer, residents can access Keep the Heat, a Windsor-based program that helps low-income families pay a portion of their utility bills when they're higher because they're running an air conditioner more often. Dean Christie, the program's director of finance, said they have encouraged its clients to negotiate with their landlords to see if there is a possibility of saving on some of those costs. Christie said since the program's inception in 2005, rising temperatures have meant "an increasing demand." Consequently, they've had to reduce the amount people can access — from $1,000 to $800 — that people can access to pay their utility bills, so they can help more people. He said last year, 1,194 unique households, or 1,865 adults and 1,636 children, accessed the program — a 25 per cent increase from the previous year. But Christie says he worries about the future with extreme heat slated to become more common and prolonged. Higher consumption of air conditioning, as well as general inflation and cost of living pressure, has meant more people are looking to use the Keep the Heat program. "I think there will be more people this year," he said, "and that's one of the reasons why we have reduced the cap from $1,000 to $800 because we're hoping that we'll be able to service more people."
CTV News
29-05-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Ontario braces for hot, stormy summer with wildfire smoke a looming threat
Southern Ontario residents eager for summer won't have to wait long, but the season's arrival will come with a warning: brace for bouts of intense heat, powerful storms and the possibility of wildfire smoke drifting from the north. According to The Weather Network's Summer 2025 Forecast, much of Canada can expect warmer than normal conditions from June through August. In Ontario, forecasters are calling for a hot and humid summer, punctuated by heat waves, thunderstorms and concerns over air quality. 'Folks across Ontario are anxiously anticipating the summer to begin,' said Rachel Modestino, a meteorologist with The Weather Network. 'The heat is definitely building, and heat is going to be a main theme really across Canada and across all of Ontario for this summer.' One of the key drivers behind the forecast is a developing 'heat dome' over the central United States. Modestino said the dome—a large region of high pressure that traps heat and dry air—could meander into Ontario at times, bringing prolonged hot spells. 'That's where we see those extreme heat days, the heat waves, because it lasts for several days, if not weeks,' she said. Although forecasters don't expect persistent heat all summer long—especially not in southern Ontario—residents should still be prepared for several heat events, potentially beginning before Canada Day. With the heat comes added risks. The combination of hot, dry weather is expected to elevate wildfire danger across northern Ontario, where several fires have already ignited this spring. 'The table's definitely going to be set for a higher risk,' Modestino said. 'And when you get that hot and dry weather, the impacts for us here in southern Ontario could be poor air quality and those smoky skies.' Smoke from northern wildfires could drift south if the winds align, as they have during previous summers. Modestino warned that this could lead to haze and reduced air quality across densely populated areas including Toronto, London and Ottawa. The summer forecast also points to a more active storm season for parts of the province. With warm, humid air in place, forecasters are watching for powerful thunderstorms—including the potential for severe weather events such as long-track tornadoes. 'Along the edge of the heat dome, we get these Ring of Fire thunderstorms,' Modestino explained. 'They could come into play for parts of Ontario at times. So we'll be looking for active weather, maybe some severe thunderstorms.' While the threat of drought looms for much of western Canada, Ontario is not expected to face the same challenges. In fact, above-normal precipitation is forecast from Windsor through to Ottawa, offering some relief from dry conditions. 'We're not expecting as much drought concern for the Windsor area,' Modestino said. 'The wet weather is something that we're going to have to also be keeping an eye on, but it's a little bit more fortunate for us.' Despite the looming risks, Modestino said Ontarians can still look forward to warm temperatures and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors—provided they stay weather-aware. 'Summer is definitely on the way,' she said. 'When it comes, it may come with some intensity, especially across southern Ontario.'
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Blizzard warnings expand with heavy snow, 90 km/h wind gusts
Nothing screams the 'unofficial kick off to summer' quite like snowfall and blizzard warnings. As we get ready to welcome the May long weekend, parts of northern Canada are dealing with yet another round of hefty winter weather. DON'T MISS: This is the third time just this month that blizzard warnings have been issued in Canada. "We have a deepening low pressure system moving through the Hudson Strait. As the storm intensifies, strong winds are expected to impact northern Quebec and Baffin Island," says Rachel Modestino, a meteorologist at The Weather Network. "These regions are also on the cold, northside of the system where heavy snowfall is forecast." Blizzard warnings are in effect for the Kangiqsujuaq-Raglan Lake regions in northern Quebec, urging to limit any time spent outdoors. "Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow," says Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in the warning. While the snow lightened up by Wednesday evening, persistent strong winds will continue to make for near-zero visibilities until Thursday evening. A blizzard warning is issued when winds are expected to produce blowing snow, with widespread visibilities of 400 metres or less for at least 6 hours, according to ECCC. By early Thursday morning, a blizzard warning included Iqaluit, Nunavut, as well. Peak winds gusting to 90 km/h combined with falling snow will continue to give near zero visibility across the region on Thursday. Travel is expected to be hazardous. "If you do travel and become lost, remain where you are until the blizzard has passed. Ensure that shelter is provided for pets and outdoor animals," ECCC says in the warning. SEE ALSO: It is pretty rare for blizzard warnings this late in the season, but it is certainly not unheard of. In 2022, the Dempster Highway saw a blizzard warning issued on June 7-8! Click here to view the video
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Why searching for the end of a rainbow is harder than you think
Rainbows are a phenomenon that have enraptured the world with their vibrant colours and beauty. These colourful arcs are made from water droplets in the air refracting the Sun's light into the different wavelengths that it comprises. Our eyes view these wavelengths as colour, and each colour has its own wavelength. ALSO READ: Rainbows can be seen anywhere in the world. Locations that receive lots of rain annually, such as Ireland, which receives up to 3000 mm of rain annually, do tend to see more rainbows than places that receive less annual rain. So, what is hidden at the end of a rainbow? Many say leprechauns hide their pots of gold there. But why has nobody found any of these pots of gold yet? The truth is that there is actually no 'end of the rainbow.' While we see rainbows as giant arcs over the Earth's surface, we're only really seeing half of the rainbow. 'Since the raindrop is circular, the reflection it creates is also circular,' The Weather Network meteorologist Rachel Modestino explains. 'We don't see a full circular rainbow, however, because the Earth gets in the way.' Watch the above video as Rachel Modestino explains in more detail how leprechauns use science to keep their gold hidden away from us. Header image courtesy of Tracy Hudson, submitted to The Weather Network
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
January 2025 extends concerning trend of new, global temperature records
We're only in the second month of 2025, and we're already talking about a global temperature record being broke. January 2025 has set a new record for the global, average temperature experienced during the month––hitting 13.23 C, surpassing the monthly record that was established in 2024 (13.14 C). To complement the newest record, January was 1.75 C above the pre-industrial level. RELATED: As well, January 2025 was the 18th in a 19-month period that saw the worldwide, average, surface air temperature exceed 1.5 C above the pre-industrial level. It may not seem minuscule, but the anomaly--compared to the average of the last 35 years--is 0.79 C, a pretty noticeable and significant difference. If we factor in the temperature of the pre-industrial era, it is 1.75 C. The news of January's average temperatures comes on the heels of 2024 being named the warmest year record for the planet, and the first to go 1.5 C above pre-industrial temperatures. Even though the average temperature worldwide was high enough to set a record last month, the heat wasn't evenly felt across the globe. In parts of the United States, January was noticeably cold and snowy. That occurred while Southern California endured destructive wildfires that were a result of the region's extreme rain deficit. On the other hand, parts of Canada and a good chunk of Asia, Antarctica and Oceania experienced positive, warmer-than-normal temperature anomalies. According to the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), the departure from the pre-industrial era average has reached 1.60 C. Contrary to what some may think is odd, last month was, in fact, warmer than normal for most Canadians––despite frequent trips of air originating from the Arctic. Part of the setup involved the entrapment of mild Pacific air in the North and West for a good chunk of the month before the winter pattern finally changed. For locales such as Kuujjuaq, a community in Nunavik, Que., and Iqaluit, Nvt., January was the warmest on record with close to an 11 C anomaly. The month, however, was below normal in southern Ontario and southeastern B.C., and near normal at the northernmost point. When looking at the Canadian temperature anomaly map, it highlights a rather favourable winter for snow lovers who reside within the lower Great Lakes, particularly the snowbelt regions, which have seen plenty of lake-effect snow and cold this season. As well, Sherbrooke, Que., documented a slightly negative anomaly. Meanwhile, other centres in Quebec experienced above-normal temperatures, particularly in the eastern end, where Gaspé and Sept-Îles enjoyed a very mild start to the month. Click here to view the video With files from Nathan Howes, a digital journalist at The Weather Network, and Rachel Modestino, a meteorologist at The Weather Network, and MétéoMedia. Editor's note: Parts of this article have been translated from French to English for The Weather Network, originally published by MétéoMedia. Read the original article, here.
