Latest news with #WeatherCAN


Time of India
a day ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Heatwaves and wildfires: Canada's summer forecast reads like a climate horror story
Canada is bracing for a hotter-than-average summer, particularly in Ontario and the Maritimes, with potential for major heatwaves and increased wildfire risk due to dry conditions. Wildfire activity is already surging, with significant hectares burned and widespread evacuations. Residents are adapting by monitoring air quality and preparing for heat waves, emphasizing the need for proactive wildfire management. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads For families and communities Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What does NASA say? What Canadians can do: Track regional weather and air-quality alerts via the WeatherCAN app. Prepare for possible heat waves, especially in Atlantic, Quebec, and Ontario. Stay fire-smart: Droughts can ignite fires from simple sparks. Canada is set to endure a hotter-than-average summer, with nearly every region, especially Ontario and the Maritimes, bracing for warmer-than-normal conditions, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada 's June 10 seasonal outlook.'Expect temperatures hovering well above seasonal norms,' warned meteorologist Jennifer Smith, noting certain regions face 'major heatwaves,' while others may see persistent mild warmth that cumulatively 'nudges the stats.'Only a few coastal spots in BC and the Northwest Territories might enjoy slightly cooler means long spells of sunny, sweat-soaked afternoons and, for many, the return of smoky skies. Scientists confirm that from 1948 to 2016, average summer temperatures in Canada have climbed nearly 1.8 °C, about double the global average, and climate change is the main Merryfield, a research scientist with Environment Canada , cautions that the combination of dry winters, diminished spring rains, and hotter weather could fuel severe wildfires as early as July and intensify in activity is already surging: as of June 11, nearly 1,900 wildfires have burned roughly 3.5 million hectares, prompting at least 32,000 evacuations and claiming two data from NASA estimates four times more 'hot spots' were detected this June than average, making it the second-worst fire season start since 2012, only behind 2023. The smoky impacts are widespread: air quality alerts have been issued in Ontario, Quebec, and even parts of the US, with orange-tinted sunsets visible as far east as the ground, families, farmers, and fire crews are learning to Alberta's wildfire-affected communities, residents speak of alternating pride in their resilience and growing anxiety. And in urban centers, people monitor the Air Quality Health Index more closely, opting to stay indoors or wear local firefighting efforts and advocate for proactive wildfire management.


Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Climate
- Cision Canada
Environment and Climate Change Canada presents summer seasonal outlook Français
GATINEAU, QC, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, Environment and Climate Change Canada presented a seasonal outlook for summer. Experts predicted higher-than-normal temperatures are likely throughout most of Canada this summer, with cooler-than-normal conditions possible in some northwestern regions along the Beaufort Sea. This spring, parts of Canada saw an uneven transition out of winter, with many regions experiencing temperature swings. Additionally, much of Canada, particularly in the Prairies, experienced dry conditions. These conditions, in combination with the high likelihood of a warmer-than-normal summer, could increase the risk of wildfires in the coming months—potentially leading to poor air quality and health risks for you and your family. Understanding the risks of these extreme weather events can help Canadians make informed decisions to protect their health, safety, and property. Canada's Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is an important tool to help people understand what the air quality around them means for their health. Climate change is causing more frequent and intense severe weather across the country. Environment and Climate Change Canada's weather information and alerts are essential tools in protecting Canadians. The public is urged to regularly monitor weather forecasts, monitor the AQHI and UV Index, take all weather alerts seriously, and get prepared this summer. Canadians can download the WeatherCAN app to receive weather alerts directly on their mobile devices and set personal notifications for temperature and the AQHI. Quick facts Climate change is causing extreme hot temperatures at a greater frequency than in the past, increasing the severity of heat waves and contributing to the risk of drought and wildfires. Environment and Climate Change Canada's scientists can now analyze extreme hot and extreme cold temperature events and determine to what degree climate change played a role in their severity. They will begin analyzing extreme precipitation events later in 2025. Climate change also brings more intense rainfalls. This is expected to increase urban flood risks, and coastal flooding in many areas of Canada will become more frequent due to local sea-level rise. Environment and Climate Change Canada is the country's official source for weather information and severe weather warnings and is committed to providing Canadians with accurate and timely weather information, including severe weather alerts. For the latest forecasts and severe weather warnings, visit and download our meteorologist-verified WeatherCAN application (available for Android and iOS devices). Associated links Environment and Climate Change Canada's LinkedIn page Environment and Climate Change Canada's Instagram page
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Environment and Climate Change Canada presents summer seasonal outlook
GATINEAU, QC, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, Environment and Climate Change Canada presented a seasonal outlook for summer. Experts predicted higher-than-normal temperatures are likely throughout most of Canada this summer, with cooler-than-normal conditions possible in some northwestern regions along the Beaufort Sea. This spring, parts of Canada saw an uneven transition out of winter, with many regions experiencing temperature swings. Additionally, much of Canada, particularly in the Prairies, experienced dry conditions. These conditions, in combination with the high likelihood of a warmer-than-normal summer, could increase the risk of wildfires in the coming months—potentially leading to poor air quality and health risks for you and your family. Understanding the risks of these extreme weather events can help Canadians make informed decisions to protect their health, safety, and property. Canada's Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is an important tool to help people understand what the air quality around them means for their health. Climate change is causing more frequent and intense severe weather across the country. Environment and Climate Change Canada's weather information and alerts are essential tools in protecting Canadians. The public is urged to regularly monitor weather forecasts, monitor the AQHI and UV Index, take all weather alerts seriously, and get prepared this summer. Canadians can download the WeatherCAN app to receive weather alerts directly on their mobile devices and set personal notifications for temperature and the AQHI. Quick facts Climate change is causing extreme hot temperatures at a greater frequency than in the past, increasing the severity of heat waves and contributing to the risk of drought and wildfires. Environment and Climate Change Canada's scientists can now analyze extreme hot and extreme cold temperature events and determine to what degree climate change played a role in their severity. They will begin analyzing extreme precipitation events later in 2025. Climate change also brings more intense rainfalls. This is expected to increase urban flood risks, and coastal flooding in many areas of Canada will become more frequent due to local sea-level rise. Environment and Climate Change Canada is the country's official source for weather information and severe weather warnings and is committed to providing Canadians with accurate and timely weather information, including severe weather alerts. For the latest forecasts and severe weather warnings, visit and download our meteorologist-verified WeatherCAN application (available for Android and iOS devices). Associated links Environment and Climate Change Canada's Weather Information WeatherCAN Application (Environment and Climate Change Canada) Extreme Weather Event Attribution Air Quality Health Index Environment and Climate Change Canada's X page Environment and Climate Change Canada's Facebook page Environment and Natural Resources in Canada's Facebook page Environment and Climate Change Canada's LinkedIn page Environment and Climate Change Canada's Instagram page SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada View original content: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data


Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Climate
- Hamilton Spectator
How to check air quality near you across Ontario and Canada
With hazy skies and ongoing Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) alerts happening across Ontario this week, you may want to know if they are still on, and if you should be indoors. Environment and Climate Change Canada monitors the air pollution levels, with various stations across the province. The wildfires are burning in the prairies and northern Ontario, pushing smoke, or fine particulate matter, into our area. In the province, there are 18 active wildfires being monitored by authorities. To see an interactive map of the hourly wind pattern expected in Canada, visit and it will show the estimated next few hours of drift pattern, and how intense the smoke is expected to be. You can also visit , and see any ongoing alerts, or look for the AQHI rating . You can also download the WeatherCAN app on your smart device for the latest warnings. As smoke levels increase, health risks increase, Health Canada said. Those who are more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution are people aged 65 and older, pregnant persons, infants and young children, as well as those with an existing illness or chronic health condition. People who work outdoors should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms. Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke by keeping windows closed and use a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .


Cision Canada
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Cision Canada
Canadians should expect another active hurricane season Français
DARTMOUTH, NS, May 23, 2025 /CNW/ - During the upcoming hurricane season, Canadians can rely on state-of-the-art weather forecasting systems from Environment and Climate Change Canada. These systems provide timely and reliable weather information and alerts in advance of approaching tropical storms and hurricanes. Early warnings will give Canadians time to prepare and protect themselves, their loved ones, and their properties in the event of a storm. The hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and this season is expected to be above-average for tropical storm activity. Experts are predicting 13 to 19 named storms, six to 10 hurricanes, and three to five major hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean basin. Environment and Climate Change Canada encourages everyone to prepare before the season begins. Meteorologists at the Canadian Hurricane Centre conduct 24/7 monitoring and hazard prediction year-round. They focus on storms with the potential to affect Canada and its waters, track storm paths, predict intensity, and issue warnings. They also provide information to help provincial and territorial partners and emergency management officials to lessen the impacts of tropical cyclones and hurricanes in Canadian communities. It is now more important than ever to get prepared. There has been an increase in Category 3 to Category 5 hurricanes over the past four decades, and with climate change, the intensity of the strongest hurricanes is expected to increase. Quotes "Hurricanes could become more intense due to global warming. I encourage all Canadians to prepare ahead of the season by accessing available resources and regularly checking the WeatherCAN app when making plans this summer to help keep themselves and their families safe and secure during hurricane season." – The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Quick facts Find safety planning tips, track maps, and get other useful information at access current forecasts and alerts on Canada's weather website, and download the WeatherCAN app (available for Android and iOS devices). On average, three or four tropical cyclone events impact Canada each hurricane season, with one or two making impact on Canadian soil and two or three threatening offshore waters. Hurricanes are typically of greater concern later in the season, as that is when our waters reach their peak warmth. Hurricane Fiona in 2022 was the most costly extreme weather event ever recorded in Atlantic Canada in terms of insured damages (source). Human-caused climate change is raising the temperature of the ocean and may have intensified hurricane activity over the Atlantic Ocean. Environment and Natural Resources in Canada's Facebook page Environment and Climate Change Canada's LinkedIn page Environment and Climate Change Canada's Instagram page SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada