GATINEAU, QC, July 9, 2024
/CNW/ - Understanding the causes and risks of extreme weather
events can help us make informed decisions to protect our health,
safety, and the long-term well-being of our communities. The
science of calculating how much human-caused climate change has
influenced extreme weather events is known as extreme weather event
attribution.
Today, Environment and Climate Change Canada released the first
results generated, using its pilot rapid extreme weather event
attribution system. The system compares climate simulations to
reveal how human-caused climate change affected the likelihood of
an extreme weather event.
Using this system, Environment and Climate Change Canada
scientists analyzed the heat waves experienced in Eastern Ontario, Northern and Southern Quebec, and Atlantic Canada during June. In all instances,
the analysis determined that human-caused climate change made these
heat waves much more likely:
- Eastern Ontario: From
June 17 to 19, 2024, a heat wave
reached a peak temperature of 29.0 degrees Celsius averaged over
the region, which is 7.4 degrees Celsius above normal.
- Southern Quebec: From
June 18 to 20, 2024, a heat wave
reached a peak temperature of 29.5 degrees Celsius averaged over
the region, which is 10.7 degrees Celsius above normal.
- Northern Quebec: From
June 18 to 20, 2024, a heat wave
reached a peak temperature of 21.5 degrees Celsius averaged over
the region, which is 7.2 degrees Celsius above normal.
- Atlantic Canada: From
June 18 to 20, 2024, a heat wave
reached a peak temperature of 26.1 degrees Celsius averaged over
the region, which is 10.6 degrees Celsius above normal.
The rapid extreme weather event attribution system compares two
simulated climates with different atmospheric compositions:
- The climate of the late 1800s, before the major impacts of the
Industrial Revolution
- The climate of today
A comparison of the two climates reveals the degree to which
human activity increased the likelihood of a heat wave.
We urge the public to regularly monitor weather forecasts, take
all weather alerts seriously, and get prepared for
weather-related events by developing an emergency plan and being
ready to adjust their travel plans. Canadians can download the
WeatherCAN app to receive weather alert notifications directly on
their mobile devices. Alerts help Canadians prepare to face severe
weather events, save lives, and reduce the impacts on property and
livelihoods.
Quick facts
- During the rapid extreme weather event attribution system's
pilot stage, Environment and Climate Change Canada scientists will
only analyze heat waves. Work is underway to extend this system to
analyze extreme cold temperature events and extreme
precipitation.
- As the planet continues to warm, we experience changes in the
strength and frequency of extreme weather events. Human activities,
mainly greenhouse gas emissions, are causing more extreme heat
events, which can drive wildfires and drought; less extreme cold;
shorter snow and ice-cover seasons; thinning glaciers; and thawing
permafrost.
- Environment and Climate Change Canada is the country's official
source for weather information and severe weather warnings and is
committed to providing Canadians with accurate and timely weather
information, including severe weather alerts.
- The latest forecasts and severe weather warnings are available
through Environment and Climate Change Canada's weather website,
the WeatherCAN app (available for Android and iOS devices),
Weatheradio, and Hello Weather (1-833-794-3556).
Associated links
- Extreme Weather Event Attribution
- Environment and Climate Change Canada's Weather
Information
- WeatherCAN App
- Public Safety Canada – Get Prepared
- Wildfire Smoke, Air Quality, and Your Health: Overview
- Severe Weather
- Seasonal Weather Hazards
- National Adaptation Strategy: Building Resilient Communities
and a Strong Economy
Environment and Climate Change Canada's X (Twitter) page
Environment and Climate Change Canada's Facebook page
SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada