Canada's May long weekend hopes hang on looming pattern change
Canada's weather pattern will begin to shift over the May long weekend, which could make or break your plans.
May has started off as a tale of two seasons across Canada, with chilly, below-seasonal temperatures dominating in Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec, while summer-like heat has taken over Alberta and British Columbia. Only Atlantic Canada has experienced a near-seasonal May so far.
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As the much-awaited May long weekend approaches, forecasters are looking at an upcoming pattern shift, as the strong western ridge and central trough pattern that has been in place is finally showing signs of relaxing. What does this mean for your long weekend forecast? In short, you may want some backup plans if you're going to be spending the weekend outdoors.
Western Canada could shift back to typical spring
After an early May heat wave brought temperatures across much of southern B.C. into the high 20s and low 30s, folks will finally see a drop back down to seasonal levels over the long weekend.
Southern B.C. and much of the coast will also see a chance for some showers throughout the weekend, which will be welcome after the intense heat and dry period.
Across the Prairies, we could see a more changeable trend take over for the weekend, with near- to above-seasonal warmth across the south and a below-seasonal chill in the north.
There will also be an increased risk of a stormy or rainy system developing on the Prairies with this shift.
Temperatures look to improve at a cost across Eastern Canada
Forecasters are looking at a return to seasonal temperatures across much of Ontario and southern Quebec over the upcoming weekend, which will be an improvement from the current trend. Only parts of northern Ontario and northern Quebec will likely see temperatures stay on the chillier side.
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As warmer temperatures from across the border attempt to push into the Great Lakes region, southwestern Ontario is the only area that could see temperatures rise to above-seasonal levels.
Unfortunately, this shift will also come with a risk of rain and storms tracking in from the Prairies.
Atlantic Canada will likely see temperatures stay about the same over the long weekend, but forecasters are looking at a risk for moisture-laden storms to fire up along the East Coast.
How long this pattern shift into more active weather will last is still uncertain. While the chances of rain will be higher over the long weekend, don't consider it a washout just yet. The silver lining is that Western Canada could see some much-needed moisture as the wildfire season begins.
Stay with The Weather Network for more information and updates on your weather across Canada.