Weather hiccups expected across Canada during August long weekend
Canadians looking for a midsummer vacation during the August long weekend may run into some stormy, cool, or smoky disruptions at times
The August holiday weekend is approaching, with relaxation and travel plans on the minds of millions before the summer slowly winds down.
What’s in store for the weekend? There’s a mix of conditions ahead. Most areas across the country can expect at least one day of unfavourable weather during the long weekend. Keep that in mind when planning, particularly for outdoor activities.
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Folks planning on spending time at cottages or at campgrounds should have a severe weather plan in mind, knowing where to go and what to do if severe weather threatens their location.
Change happens in the West as the weekend progresses
A deep trough continues to dig across B.C through the weekend, while a ridge sits over the Prairies. It is expected to break down slowly and move eastward.
In B.C., coastal areas have been seeing beneficial rain for the wildfire situation, while the Interior remains dry.
Good news will be found through Sunday and Monday as the trough breaks down. That will allow the gateway for moisture to move into the Interior as the trough deepens in pressure. As a result, a much cooler air mass moves into the region.
Across the Prairies, extreme heat will be found in southern areas on Saturday and Sunday, with some weather models pushing temperatures near the 40-degree mark for some areas.
Visit The Weather Network's wildfire hub to keep up with the latest on the active wildfire season across Canada.
Heat warnings have been the story in Manitoba and Saskatchewan due to a persistent ridge in place. The warnings continue to stick around into the weekend.
When will the heat break down? As the trough swings through, cooler air will push into Alberta on Sunday, and in Saskatchewan by Monday.
In terms of precipitation chances, Pacific energy will form a new low over the northern Prairies, sitting atop the southern heat. Rain and a chance of thunderstorms will be found in northern areas this weekend.
The East will see both pleasant and unsettled weather at times
Across the country, in Eastern Canada, there will be the potential for on-and-off showers on Sunday and Monday.
In Ontario and Quebec, Saturday looks to be dry and sunny under a mild high, but it will slowly start to break down on Sunday with showers moving in.
A front will make its way in through Sunday, sending moisture levels on the rise from Quebec to Atlantic Canada by the end of the weekend.
The good news for Ontario will be the end to the weekend, with Monday looking to remain dry.
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Atlantic Canada will be off to a quiet start to the weekend, but more heavy rain will move in on Monday.
Newfoundland looks to be dry for the most part, but it could encounter some light rain showers on the weekend. Monday, overall, will be a wetter day, however. Bring your umbrella if you're heading outdoors.
Comfortable temperatures will start the weekend, but will take a dive after the rain wraps up.
The long weekend winners
That said, there are some positive notes for the weekend. The standout regions in Canada will include the southern B.C. Interior, Newfoundland, northern Ontario, and southern Alberta—depending on preferred temperature ranges.
Stay with The Weather Network for the latest conditions this long weekend.