Environment and Climate Change Canada presents summer seasonal outlook Français
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 Canada.ca/weather, and download our meteorologist-verified WeatherCAN application (available for Android and iOS devices).
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Rising global temperatures are creating longer dry seasons and hotter conditions, which in turn increase the risk of wildfires. This knowledge helps us so we can work together to protect our environment, our communities, and our future." – The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change "During this demanding and challenging wildfire season, it's clear that more extreme natural disasters and severe weather events are becoming increasingly common. Before the mid-1990s, Canada had seen just three disasters that caused over $500 million in damages—now, we're seeing disasters of that scale almost every year. As events like wildfires, heat waves, and smoke become more frequent, it's important to understand the risks to yourself, your family, and your community. Visit Get Prepared for practical steps you can take to stay safe. The well-being of Canadians will always be our top priority." – The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada Quick facts In January, climate scientists analyzed a two-day cold snap in western Ontario. The coldest temperature recorded during the extreme cold event was -34.0 °C. Extreme climate-related weather events are becoming more frequent, severe, and costly. 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 rank in the top 10 years based on insurance claims, surpassed only by the 2016 Fort McMurray fires, the 2013 flooding in Calgary and Toronto, and the 1998 Quebec ice storm (source). 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. The latest forecasts and severe weather warnings are available through Environment and Climate Change Canada's weather website and the WeatherCAN app (available for Android and iOS devices). Contacts Media Relations Environment and Climate Change Canada 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free) [email protected] 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
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