Julie PerreaultAuthor
Posted May 14, 2023 at 11:22 am
The far north of Canada was literally treated to summertime temperatures that broke many records.
While Quebec was enjoying a beautiful spring heat, western Canada was getting the same treatment — with a few degrees more. Several sectors have also broken heat records, including Arviat to the north.
A surprising Saturday
The community, located in Nunavut, recorded a temperature of 21.2 °C last Saturday. That’s a triple record for the place. First, the old mark from 2015 – for the same day – was 4.5°C. Second, the previous monthly heat record from 2001 was 14.5°C. After all, the Arviat weather station had never measured a temperature above 10 degrees so early in its existence. For a better comparison: The normal daily temperature in this place at this time of the year is around -1°C.
But Arviat residents aren’t the only ones feeling hot this Saturday. Other areas of Nunavut such as Baker Laker, Rankin Inlet and Lupine also broke records with temperatures of 11.5°C, 11.3°C and 10.6°C respectively.
Further west, Yellowknife, Fort Nelson and Fort Simpson – all three in the Northwest Territories – also experienced temperatures above 25°C, breaking their own daily record.
Another hot week
This situation is the result of a high pressure area that settled in the west of the country. Its presence will be felt again this week when the mercury is likely to rise in this sector. Temperatures of around 10 degrees above the seasonal norm are expected for the next few days.
Several communities in western Canada could break monthly heat records. In particular, the cities of Yellowknife, Edmonton and Fort McMurray will be particularly worth seeing. Once again, Arviat could break another record as the region faces a 16°C day.