Temperature in Canada

Last updated

Koppen climate classification types of Canada Canada Koppen.svg
Köppen climate classification types of Canada

Climate in Canada varies widely from region to region. In many parts of the country, particularly in the interior and Prairie provinces, winters are long, very cold, and feature frequent snow. Most of Canada has a continental climate, which features a large annual range of temperatures, cold winters, and warm summers. Daily average temperatures are near −15 °C (5 °F), but can drop below −50 °C (−58 °F) with severe wind chills. [1] In non-coastal regions, snow can cover the ground for almost six months of the year, while in parts of the north snow can persist year-round. Coastal British Columbia has a more temperate climate, with a mild and rainy, cloudy winter. The British Columbia Southern interior has a semi-desert climate in many locations, with long warm to hot, dry summers, and short moderate winters. The immediate area adjacent to the town of Ashcroft, features Canada's only true desert. On the east and west coasts, average summer high temperatures are generally in the low 20s °C, while between the coasts, the average summer high temperature ranges from 25 to 30 °C (77 to 86 °F), with temperatures in some interior locations occasionally exceeding 40 °C (104 °F). [2]

Contents

Much of Northern Canada is covered by ice and permafrost; however, the future of the permafrost is uncertain because the Arctic has been warming at three times the global average as a result of climate change in Canada. [3] Canada's annual average temperature over land has warmed by 1.7 °C (3.1 °F), with changes ranging from 1.1 to 2.3 °C (2.0 to 4.1 °F) in various regions, since 1948. [4] The rate of warming has been higher across the North and in the Prairies. [4] In the southern regions of Canada, air pollution from both Canada and the United States—caused by metal smelting, burning coal to power utilities, and vehicle emissions—has resulted in acid rain, which has severely impacted waterways, forest growth and agricultural productivity in Canada. [5]

Averages

The following tables show the average maximum and minimum temperatures of Canada of various cities across Canada, based on the climate period from 1981 to 2010 for the months of January and July (generally the lowest and highest average temperature months, but not in every case).

The two major Canadian cities that fall outside the continental climate schema are Vancouver and Victoria. Vancouver experiences an oceanic climate, bordering warm-summer mediterranean with a marked summer dry season. Victoria, BC is the only major Canadian city entirely in a warm-summer mediterranean climate. Of the eight largest Canadian cities, Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto have the warmest summers, Winnipeg the coldest winters, while Vancouver's winters are far milder than any other large city in Canada.

In mountainous regions such as British Columbia the variety of elevations creates micro-climates with average temperatures that can vary wildly within relatively small distances. A few small towns in southern BC outside of Vancouver, for example, have a humid continental climate (Dfb) with average winter temperatures and cold snaps comparable to other parts of the country.

Central Canada and northern Canada experiences subarctic and Arctic climates, much of them arid. Those areas are not heavily populated due to the severe climate, where it drops below −20 °C (−4 °F) on most winter days and has a very brief summer season.

Some Mountain passes in southern BC also have a subarctic or subalpine climate, creating extremely dangerous driving conditions, as drivers may be unaware of wintry road conditions when they come from nearby areas like Vancouver and Kamloops which is semi-desert, that are much warmer. [6]

The table can be reordered by clicking on the box in each column. Places in italics are provincial capitals, bold is the national capital.

Heat, cold and frost averages

Extremes

Climate data for Canada
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecYear
Record high °C (°F)22.2
(72.0)		26.5
(79.7)		30
(86)		37.2
(99.0)		42.2
(108.0)		49.6
(121.3)		45.0
(113.0)		44.0
(111.2)		40.8
(105.4)		34.4
(93.9)		29.4
(84.9)		25
(77)		49.6
(121.3)
Record low °C (°F)−61.2
(−78.2)		−63.0
(−81.4)		−55.6
(−68.1)		−48.9
(−56.0)		−35
(−31)		−22.2
(−8.0)		−11.1
(12.0)		−16.7
(1.9)		−31.7
(−25.1)		−41.7
(−43.1)		−54.0
(−65.2)		−57.8
(−72.0)		−63.0
(−81.4)
Source: February minimum, [51] June maximum, [52] November maximum [53]

Extreme highs

Extreme lows

The table can be reordered by clicking on the box in each column. Places in italics are provincial capital, bold is the national capital.

Climate change

Among countries that emit high levels of greenhouse gas, Canada is among the highest per person emitters. 20210626 Variwide chart of greenhouse gas emissions per capita by country.svg
Among countries that emit high levels of greenhouse gas, Canada is among the highest per person emitters.

Climate change is greatly impacting Canada's environment and landscapes. Extreme weather has become more frequent and severe because of the continued release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The number of climate change–related events, such as the 2021 British Columbia Floods and an increasing number of forest fires, has become an increasing concern over time. [57] Canada's annual average temperature over land warmed by 1.7 °C (3.1 °F) between 1948 and 2016. The rate of warming is highest in Canada's north, the Prairies, and northern British Columbia. The country's precipitation has increased in recent years and wildfires expanded from seasonal events to year-round threats.

Maps

Weather Stations locations in Canada.

Canada relief map 2.svg
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Alberton
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YLT
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YBC
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YBK
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YYC
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YYG
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YYQ
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Corner Brook
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YDA
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YXD
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YES
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YYE
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YFC
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YHZ
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YOJ
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YEV
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YFB
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YCO
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YVC
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YMA
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YQM
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YUL
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YDP
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YVQ
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YOW
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YQB
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YQG
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YQR
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YRB
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YXE
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YYT
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YSU
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YQY
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YTH
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YTS
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YYZ
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YVR
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YYJ
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YXY
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YWG
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YQI
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YZF
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YKA
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Weather Stations

Notes

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Statistics, Regina SK". The Weather Network. Archived from the original on January 5, 2009. Retrieved January 18, 2010.
  2. ↑ "Regina International Airport". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. September 25, 2013. Archived from the original on May 18, 2015. Retrieved May 12, 2015.
  3. ↑ Bush, E; Lemmen, D.S. (2019). "Canada's Changing Climate Report" (PDF). Government of Canada. p. 84.
  4. 1 2 Zhang, X.; Flato, G.; Kirchmeier-Young, M.; et al. (2019). Bush, E.; Lemmen, D.S. (eds.). "Changes in Temperature and Precipitation Across Canada]; Chapter 4" (PDF). Canada's Changing Climate Report. Government of Canada. pp. 112–193.
  5. ↑ Boyd, David R (2011). Unnatural Law: Rethinking Canadian Environmental Law and Policy. UBC Press. pp. 67–69. ISBN   978-0-7748-4063-7.
  6. ↑ "What You Need to Know About Winter Weather on the "Coq"". TranBC. Retrieved 2019-01-16.
  7. 1 2 "Alberton". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  8. ↑ "1981 to 2010 Canadian Climate Normals station data". Environment and Climate Change Canada. Government of Canada. Retrieved 15 May 2016.
  9. 1 2 "Baie-Comeau A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  10. 1 2 "Calgary Int'l A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  11. 1 2 "Charlottetown A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  12. 1 2 "Churchill A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  13. 1 2 "Corner Brook". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  14. 1 2 "Dawson City A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  15. 1 2 "Edmonton City Centre A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  16. 1 2 "Edmundston". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  17. 1 2 "Fort Nelson A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  18. 1 2 "Fredericton A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  19. 1 2 "Halifax Stanfield Int'l A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  20. 1 2 "High Level A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  21. 1 2 "Inuvik A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  22. 1 2 "Iqaluit A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  23. ↑ "Kamloops A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2018-12-05.
  24. 1 2 "Kugluktuk A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  25. 1 2 "La Ronge A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  26. 1 2 "Mayo A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  27. 1 2 "Moncton A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  28. 1 2 "Montreal/Pierre Elliott Trudeau Intl A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  29. 1 2 "Nain A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  30. 1 2 "Norman Wells A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  31. 1 2 "OttawaMacdonald-Cartier Int'l A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  32. 1 2 "Princeton A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2018-01-15.
  33. 1 2 "Quebec City/Jean Lesage Intl A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  34. 1 2 "Regina Int'l A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  35. 1 2 "Resolute CARS". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  36. 1 2 "Saskatoon Diefenbaker Int'l A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  37. 1 2 "St. John's A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  38. 1 2 "Summerside A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  39. 1 2 "Sydney A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  40. 1 2 "Thompson A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  41. 1 2 "Timmins Victor Power A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  42. 1 2 "Toronto Lester B. Pearson Int'l A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  43. 1 2 "Vancouver Int'l A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  44. 1 2 "Victoria Int'l A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  45. 1 2 "Whitehorse A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  46. 1 2 "Windsor A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
  47. 1 2 "Winnipeg Richardson Int'l A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  48. 1 2 "Yarmouth A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  49. 1 2 "Yellowknife A". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  50. ↑ "National Climate Data and Information Archive". Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved April 30, 2016.
  51. 1 2 "Weather records". www.statcan.gc.ca. Government of Canada. 1999. Archived from the original on July 26, 2011. Retrieved 26 March 2016.
  52. 1 2 "Lytton B.C. sets all-time Canadian heat record for third day in a row". Global News . June 29, 2021. Retrieved June 29, 2021.
  53. ↑ "Daily Data Report for October 1943 - Roadene, Saskatchewan". 20 March 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
  54. ↑ "Alert A" (CSV (4222 KB)). Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Climate ID: 2400300. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
  55. 1 2 3 "Climate Data Almanac Index of /pub/Normals/". Climate Data Almanac. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Archived from the original on 2020-07-14. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
  56. ↑ ● Emissions data source: "Territorial (MtCO₂) / 1) Emissions / Carbon emissions / Chart View". Global Carbon Atlas. 2024. (archive on Our World in Data)
    ● Country population data source: "Population, total / All Countries and Economies / Most Recent Value (Thousands)". World Bank. 2024. Archived from the original on 22 January 2025.
  57. ↑ Rosano, Michela (July 26, 2018). "Photos: How climate change is transforming Canada". Canadian Geographic. Archived from the original on November 28, 2020. Retrieved April 18, 2021.
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