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CBC
4 days ago
- Climate
- CBC
Quebecers are in for a hotter-than-average summer, Environment Canada forecasts
Quebecers appear to be in for a sweltering summer, with hotter-than-normal temperatures on the horizon. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) unveiled its seasonal forecast on Tuesday, which shows that most of the country is in for warmer-than-average summer temperatures. The seasonal forecast doesn't tell you when exactly you might experience days of extreme heat or heat waves, and that's why ECCC meteorologist Jennifer Smith says it's important to stay informed and be prepared. "When a heat wave hits and lasts several days, it's important to have a plan," said Smith. That can include signing up for alerts to be up to date on weather systems in your area and in case of extreme heat, staying cool and hydrated and taking care of those who are vulnerable. Despite the very high probability of a hotter summer, ECCC maps indicate the wildfire weather risk will be on par with seasonal averages for the province. The risk is greater in Western Canada, where as of May 30, wildfires have burned an area three times bigger than the 10-year average. Fires burning elsewhere can still impact Quebec with air quality at risk of worsening when plumes of smoke travel away from the source. To track air quality in your area, you can consult the ECCC's Air Quality Health Index or wildfire smoke map. Warmer summer and extreme heat, new normal ECCC meteorologists stressed that climate change plays a role in seasonal forecasts, with Canada's average summer temperatures having warmed by 1.8 degrees since national record-keeping began in 1948. Quebec, like the rest of Canada due to its position in the northern hemisphere, is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and is warming at a rate that is two times faster than other regions in the world, according to Ouranos, Quebec's climatology and climate change innovation hub. What that means is that the province is set to see more days of extreme heat and more heat waves in the near future. "If we just think of the number of 30 C days, for example, those are expected to increase pretty drastically over the next few decades," said Ouranos climatologist Chris McCray. Modelling maps simulating moderate greenhouse gas emissions show Montreal could see an average of 23.5 days with temperatures above 30 C from 2031 to 2060, up from an average of 12 days for the period from 1991 to 2020. "Because we've put … so much greenhouse gas into the atmosphere over the last few 100 years, the warming is already in progress," said McCray. And because emissions have not started to decrease on a global scale, McCray said, global and local temperatures are going to continue to increase. "Unfortunately, those changes at this point are inevitable in the short term," he said. Impacts of climate change on health The warming climate is likely to have a significant impact on public health, McCray said. "We know heat is a big contributor to cardiovascular issues, people who already have health, physical and mental health issues, those problems can be aggravated and worsened by extreme heat," he said. Heat-related deaths in Quebec currently average 470 annually, according to research cited by Ouranos. Projections under a moderate emissions scenario indicate this could double or triple by 2040. The economic costs linked to heat are already substantial, at an estimated $3.6 billion per year. Ouranos warns these costs could also increase by three to five times under the same scenario. A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, so Quebec is also likely to see an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events, which can lead to localized flooding. McCray said unfortunately, much of the urban infrastructure that exists now was built for a climate that no longer exists. While in the long term, the solution to reduce the impacts of climate change is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in the short term, "we need to adapt," McCray said. Things like planting more trees to reduce urban heat islands, adding more sponge parks and decreasing areas with asphalt and concrete surfaces are all measures that can help.
National Post
4 days ago
- Climate
- National Post
AEM Report: Western U.S. Drought Nearly Triples in One Year, Threatening Critical Resources and Infrastructure
Article content 2025 Summer Weather Outlook Highlights Urgent Need for Action Amid Escalating Water Scarcity, Agricultural Challenges, and Infrastructure Risks Article content GERMANTOWN, Md. — The Western United States faces a rapidly worsening drought crisis, with affected areas nearly tripling compared to last year, according to AEM's 2025 Summer Weather Outlook, which was released today. This significant drought expansion raises serious concerns about water availability, agricultural productivity, wildfire threats, and infrastructure stability across the region. Article content The report shows Lake Mead and Lake Powell, crucial reservoirs providing water for millions, have reached alarmingly low levels, holding just one-third of their usual capacity. This shortage poses significant challenges to agriculture, urban water supplies, and industries reliant on consistent water availability. In Nebraska, drought conditions have notably impacted agriculture, severely affecting more than half of the state's corn acreage. Article content The severe drought conditions are further intensifying wildfire risks, particularly around the July 4th holiday, historically associated with increased wildfire activity. The Outlook indicates that areas such as California, the Great Basin, and the northern Rockies are projected to face above-normal fire potential throughout the summer months, further straining firefighting resources and endangering communities. Canada is also facing extreme fire danger across western provinces, with burned acreage already triple the seasonal average. Article content 'This summer will bring a dangerous combination of heat, dryness, and fuel buildup that elevates wildfire risks across North America,' said James Aman, Senior Meteorologist at AEM. 'We're already seeing an above-average number of wildfires in the U.S., with similar trends north of the border.' Article content Additionally, hotter-than-normal temperatures are expected across the Rockies, Pacific Northwest, and the Upper Midwest, exacerbating drought conditions and placing significant stress on regional electric grids. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) specifically faces heightened vulnerability due to anticipated peak summer air-conditioning demands, highlighting the critical need for adaptive energy management and infrastructure resilience. Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Media Contact: Article content Article content Neal Stein Article content Article content Article content
