We officially hit 20 C in Canada today. Here's where
It's only Feb. 4, but we officially have the country's first 20-degree daytime high in 2026.
February has barely begun and Canada has already recorded its first 20-degree temperature of the year.
On Wednesday, Feb. 4, Lethbridge, Alta., was the lucky community to record the country's first 20-degree reading in 2026. The Alberta locale soared to a balmy 20.6 C, a notable, but not unheard of, accomplishment for this time of the year.
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The 20-degree reading came about from chinook winds that helped push the mercury high on Wednesday. The province is experiencing a stretch of unusually warm weather this week as a ridge in the jet stream is allowing mild Pacific air to flow east of the Rockies.
Many surrounding regions in southern Alberta are also experiencing patio weather of temperatures in the high teens and a mix of sun and cloud this week. The trend is expected for the next few days.
Is 20 C normal in February?
For the non-Albertans, it may be hard to wrap their head around 20 degrees in February.
While this is relatively early in the year, 20 degrees in southern Alberta does occasionally occur in the winter months. On Jan. 11, 1997, Lethbridge recorded 20 degrees, the earliest occurrence for the station.
A value of 20 C has also been recorded in Calgary and Medicine Hat on Feb. 27, 1992.
How did this happen?
A classic winter phenomenon in Alberta are chinooks.
Specific, atmospheric setups force warm Pacific air up over the Rockies. As they reach the peak and descend towards Alberta's foothills, the now-dry winds warm significantly, and race down to the surface.
Chinook arch seen in Calgary, Alta., on Feb. 4, 2026. (Connor O'Donovan/The Weather Network)
The resulting gusty, warm winds and a chinook arch are visible from the ground and satellites. Chinooks are most dramatic in the winter months, and when strong enough, can dramatically swing temperatures in a matter of hours.
With files from Rachel Modestino, a meteorologist at The Weather Network, and Nathan Howes, a digital reporter at The Weather Network.