Historically sluggish start to Canada's frosty weather is coming to an end
The first frost of the season for parts of Western Canada is a sign of the changing tides, as winter weather moves into the region and Eastern Canada gets a break
Weather abnormalities have been aplenty this fall season in North America -- a late season drought coupled with extreme heat for the West Coast, early shots of cold in southern and eastern regions, and a relatively quiet hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean.
The scattered trend has thrown a wrench into the usual frost timing across Canada and many have yet to see this autumnal occurrence.
First look: Pattern reversal expected as Canada falls into winter
Sunday morning marked the very first time this season where temperatures have dropped below freezing for parts of the west, making it the latest first frost on record and over a month past the average.
In the city of Edmonton in particular, where data dates back to the 19th century, an interesting trend is revealed when looking at the number of days between the last frost in the spring and the first frost in the fall.
Over the last 100 years, the average time frame has lengthened from 98 to 144 days, with the biggest change occurring from the 1940s through 1970.
During that period of time, Canada’s population grew substantially and resulted in a sprawling urban footprint with a significant expansion of infrastructure, such as buildings and roads. Materials in the built up environment absorb heat, which is partly why there is a lengthening gap between the last spring frost and the first fall frost. Warming global temperatures are also a contributing factor.
Parts of the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island also dropped below freezing over the weekend after approaching a high of 30°C several days prior.
Brief stretches of cold weather haven’t been strong enough to drive temperatures below freezing in parts of eastern Canada either including major cities like Toronto, Montreal, Halifax or St. John’s.
All of these cities have passed the date that they typically see their first frost, and will likely have to wait until November to mark their first observance.
Watch the video above for more details on the frosty weather ahead.