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AccuWeather 2018 Canada summer forecast

May 31, 2018 | 7:57 AM

The AccuWeather Global Weather Center is forecasting that much of the Prairies will be dealing with drought conditions this summer.

Little relief is in sight for the drought across the prairie provinces as dry conditions will remain over the region over the coming months.

Drought conditions began to develop across the southern Prairies last summer, the worst conditions were seen in southern Saskatchewan.

“The ongoing drought over the southern Prairies is expected to worsen through the summer. Not only will the warm, dry conditions bring greater drought concerns, but they will also set the stage for a more active wildfire season.” says AccuWeather Canada forecaster Brett Anderson. 

He states, “There is a higher-than-normal wildfire risk for much of western Canada this summer, including the Prairies and this may also lead to more smoke- and haze-filled days with reduced air quality, especially in valley locations.”

While much of the Prairies will receive little in terms of rainfall, thunderstorms will rumble over the Canadian Rockies.

“Afternoon thunderstorms may be quite frequent across the Canadian Rockies during late July and August,” Anderson said.

Those headed to the Canadian Rockies to vacation in one of the national parks or to spend time hiking and camping should keep a close eye on the weather.

Thunderstorms can quickly develop over the mountainous terrain, so it’s important to be vigilant and seek shelter at the first sign of a storm, especially at higher elevations.

Checking other regions across Canada:

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The warm and dry weather that will dominate the Prairies this summer will also extend into much of British Columbia.

There will be a higher number of warm spells across the interior of B.C. especially during the second half of the summer.

The interior areas for B.C. will also face a risk of wildfires as the summer progresses.

Much of the heat will focus farther inland as areas closer to the Pacific coast experience more comfortable conditions.

Meanwhile, wetter and cooler weather is on tap farther up the coast of British Columbia and into Yukon. 

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A stormy summer is set to unfold across Ontario and southern Quebec, bringing the threat for severe weather to the region.

The strongest storms of the season will be capable of producing damaging winds, hail and isolated tornadoes.

However, any thunderstorm that moves through the region will bring the risk of flash flooding, especially in urban areas.

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As storms target the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Valley, a humid summer is forecast for Atlantic Canada.

Warmer and drier than normal conditions are forecast for across Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and eastern New Brunswick.

(Gary McKinnon)