Unprecedented February Heat Engulfs the Prairies
The prairies have experienced unprecedented warmth this February, with notable temperature records shattered across Calgary, Edmonton, and Saskatchewan. This remarkable heat wave illustrates a sharp contrast to the typical weather patterns seen during this month.
Record-Breaking Temperatures in Calgary
Calgary recorded an average temperature of 4.8°C, surpassing the previous record of 3.2°C set in 1936. Normally, the city’s daily average for early February hovers around -5°C.
Edmonton’s Warmth
In Edmonton, the average temperature also broke records, reaching 2.2°C. This figure exceeds the former warmest start of February, which was 1.4°C in 1889.
Saskatchewan’s Surprising Heat
- Saskatoon: The average temperature of -3.2°C surpassed the record from 1934 by over half a degree.
- Kindersley: This community set a new record with an average of -0.5°C, beating the previous record of -1.2°C set in 1991.
- Estevan: Another community breaking records, Estevan’s average reached -0.8°C, just surpassing the old record from 1987.
These record-high averages indicate a significant shift in weather patterns for the prairies, highlighting unusual warmth during a typically cold month.
Implications of Unprecedented February Heat
Experts are monitoring the situation closely as unprecedented warmth raises questions regarding climate trends and potential impacts. The emergence of El Niño later this year may further influence weather patterns across the region.
