Canada Faces Hotter Summer and Wildfire Surge

Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts a hotter-than-average summer in 2025, with above-normal temperatures expected across nearly all regions, particularly Ontario, the Maritimes, Quebec, and northern Manitoba. Below-normal precipitation is anticipated in the Prairies and western provinces, compounding wildfire risk, as nearly 1,900 wildfires have already burned 3.5 million hectares and prompted thousands of evacuations. Meteorologists link these intensified heatwaves and severe wildfires to climate change, noting that Canada's average summer temperatures have risen by nearly 1.8°C since 1948. Air quality alerts are becoming more frequent, affecting not only Canadian provinces but also the US and even reaching Europe due to wildfire smoke. Canadians are advised to monitor weather and air quality updates using tools such as the WeatherCAN app and to prepare for health risks associated with extreme heat and poor air quality. In contrast, regions like South Georgia in the US are expected to experience normal summer heat and storms without the elevated wildfire threat.