Warmest winter in Canada since '48
Toronto had 7th hottest in its history
Climatologist warns of summer bugs, viruses
Mar. 14, 2006. 05:06 AM
ASHLEY JOANNOU
STAFF REPORTER
Temperatures across Canada between December and February were the warmest recorded since 1948.
Weather officials say that during those three months — the three Environment Canada defines as winter, the temperature across the country was 3.9 degrees Celsius above normal. That's almost a full degree above the previous record back in 1987.
"We didn't just break the (winter) record, we smashed it to pieces," said David Phillips, senior climatologist with Environment Canada.
"Even those of us who are paid to study this stuff were surprised."
In fact, the entire year, from February to February was the warmest 12-month period in Canada's history.
Spring 2005 was the third warmest in Canadian history, summer was the 12th warmest and this fall was the second warmest ever.
Although Toronto didn't break its weather record this year, residents had no reason to complain.
It was the seventh warmest winter in the city's history — about 2.5 degrees Celsius above the average for the last 30 years.
This is good news for most people.
"People have probably saved at least 10 to 15 per cent on their heating bill," Phillips said.
"Not to mention the extra shopping people probably have done since they can go outside."
But in a month, the warm weather might not be something to cheer about. Phillips predicts an increase in viruses and insects once summer rolls around.
"Winter usually gives as a clean slate — if we have to suffer though the winter so do the bugs and viruses," he said.
"If these bugs managed to not only survive the winter but thrive, we could see a huge increase this summer."
Phillips won't go as far as calling this weather a sign of global warming.
"I think it's a mistake to say something like that this early," he said. "We'll have to study it more."
Aside from yesterday's unseasonable temperatures, Mother Nature also brought thick fog in the evening, forcing cancellations or delays of many flights at Pearson airport.
And the wacky weather might not be over just yet.
Phillips warns not to pack away those ski jackets and pull out the sandals just yet.
Today, a storm coming out of Michigan will bring strong winds, cold weather and possibly snow to Toronto.
"Mother Nature definitely still has some cold weather up her sleeve," he said.
"We haven't seen the last of it yet," Phillips said.
Climatologist warns of summer bugs, viruses
Mar. 14, 2006. 05:06 AM
ASHLEY JOANNOU
STAFF REPORTER
Temperatures across Canada between December and February were the warmest recorded since 1948.
Weather officials say that during those three months — the three Environment Canada defines as winter, the temperature across the country was 3.9 degrees Celsius above normal. That's almost a full degree above the previous record back in 1987.
"We didn't just break the (winter) record, we smashed it to pieces," said David Phillips, senior climatologist with Environment Canada.
"Even those of us who are paid to study this stuff were surprised."
In fact, the entire year, from February to February was the warmest 12-month period in Canada's history.
Spring 2005 was the third warmest in Canadian history, summer was the 12th warmest and this fall was the second warmest ever.
Although Toronto didn't break its weather record this year, residents had no reason to complain.
It was the seventh warmest winter in the city's history — about 2.5 degrees Celsius above the average for the last 30 years.
This is good news for most people.
"People have probably saved at least 10 to 15 per cent on their heating bill," Phillips said.
"Not to mention the extra shopping people probably have done since they can go outside."
But in a month, the warm weather might not be something to cheer about. Phillips predicts an increase in viruses and insects once summer rolls around.
"Winter usually gives as a clean slate — if we have to suffer though the winter so do the bugs and viruses," he said.
"If these bugs managed to not only survive the winter but thrive, we could see a huge increase this summer."
Phillips won't go as far as calling this weather a sign of global warming.
"I think it's a mistake to say something like that this early," he said. "We'll have to study it more."
Aside from yesterday's unseasonable temperatures, Mother Nature also brought thick fog in the evening, forcing cancellations or delays of many flights at Pearson airport.
And the wacky weather might not be over just yet.
Phillips warns not to pack away those ski jackets and pull out the sandals just yet.
Today, a storm coming out of Michigan will bring strong winds, cold weather and possibly snow to Toronto.
"Mother Nature definitely still has some cold weather up her sleeve," he said.
"We haven't seen the last of it yet," Phillips said.
posted by Traveller at 10:24 AM
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