Heat break or rain delays? Pattern shakeup for many Canadians on long weekend
So, what can we expect across Canada for the August long weekend this year? The good news is there will be reprieve from the stormy and hot weather for some areas, while others should prepare for some wet interruptions.
The August holiday weekend is nearly here, and will give folks an opportunity to relax and travel before the summer slowly winds down.
There has been no shortage of stormy and hot weather across the country recently, with many bouts of severe weather while other locales have sizzled in the summer heat.
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So, what can we expect for the August long weekend this year? Read below to find the detailed forecast breakdown for regions and provinces in Western and Eastern Canada.
Heat break in the East, making for pleasant outdoor plans
While Eastern Canada has been enduring stifling heat and humidity this month, that is about to change this week, just in time for the long weekend.
We're expecting fresher summer temperatures this weekend, with values coming in near to slightly below seasonal in the mid-20s. Sleep will also be easier, with overnight lows in the teens to 20s. A major contrast to the uncomfortable humidity felt during the last week of July.
A cold front will move through the region and break the humidity streak by Friday.
A ridge of high pressure in place will bring gorgeous weather and low chances for widespread rain and/or thunderstorms for Ontario, Quebec and most of Atlantic Canada.
The forecast will be ideal for cottage and summer activities, but poor for the ongoing drought conditions.
Northwesterly winds will be cooler, but will lead to hazy, smoky skies from wildfire smoke pushing in from the ongoing blazes in Saskatchewan and northwestern Ontario. Folks can expect red sunrises and sunsets, and poor air quality at times
Heat to start in parts of the West, with a risk of storms
Western Canada will get off to a hot start to the long weekend, but will need to brace for a few bumps throughout.
A notably warm Friday is anticipated across northern and eastern B.C., Northwest Territories and the Prairies, with temperatures potentially reaching the 30s for some. However, the heat is expected to be short-lived.
Wet weather is forecast to affect the Rockies, bringing back rainfall to much of Alberta and the B.C. Interior from Friday through Sunday. The rain may keep many of these regions in the low- to mid-20s this weekend.
So, folks should plan for off and on wet weather interruptions.
In contrast, the eastern Prairies, including parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, will start off dry, with temperatures ranging from the mid- to high-20s. However, the chances of precipitation are set to increase late Sunday into Monday.
Additionally, while pop-up thunderstorms may occur along B.C.'s Sunshine Coast, the overall trend suggests a drier pattern with seasonal temperatures in the low 20s.
Stay tuned to The Weather Network for the latest forecast updates for the upcoming August long weekend.