Canada is experiencing an unusual and widespread wave of warm, sunny weather, with temperatures climbing into the high twenties in cities coast to coast, as May nears its end. The country is basking in conditions more typical of July than late spring.

Environment Canada has noted that temperatures this week are several degrees above seasonal norms in many areas.

In Fredericton, residents enjoy full sunshine and a toasty 28°C, making it one of the warmest spots in the country. Charlottetown, Halifax, and Montréal are not far behind, all reporting 26°C with either mostly cloudy or mainly sunny skies.
In the West, Calgary saw clear skies and 23°C, while Edmonton recorded a warm 25°C, though skies there were not specified. Winnipeg, Regina, and Saskatoon also experienced comfortable, sunny or partly cloudy conditions, ranging between 22°C and 24°C.

One of the biggest surprises is in Toronto, where a mostly cloudy sky is keeping things cooler at just 15°C, a noticeable contrast to the highs elsewhere. Still, the trend across the nation is clear: summer warmth is arriving early.

British Columbia saw clear skies and mild warmth, with Vancouver at 18°C and Victoria a pleasant 22°C, both under mainly sunny conditions. Up north, Iqaluit reminded Canadians of the country’s climatic diversity, sitting at a frigid -1°C under partly cloudy skies. Meanwhile, Yellowknife reached 21°C, and Whitehorse had light rain and a modest 5°C.Weather experts say this warm spell is due to a strong high-pressure ridge sitting over much of the country, trapping heat and keeping skies clear. This type of weather system can linger for days, meaning the warm conditions may persist into early June.For Canadians, this early warmth is both a welcome break and a caution.

Environment Canada is urging people to stay hydrated, check on vulnerable individuals, and remember that spring heat can still pose health risks, especially with the UV index high in many areas.