The first day of summer, and the longest day of the year, is forecast to be a hot one in much of the country, with temperatures on Monday expected to soar well above normal in some of Canada’s biggest cities.
Environment Canada's senior climatologist David Phillips says Monday's weather is a preview of what's in store for Canadians this summer.
"We see, from B.C. to Newfoundland, our models are showing for July, August and early September a country that's going to be warmer than normal," Phillips told CTV News Channel on Monday morning.
He said the only parts of Canada that could see cooler than normal temperatures are areas of Baffin Island and around Hudson Bay. But, for the most part, Canadians can expect warm days ahead.
Phillips noted that weather agencies in the U.S. and in Europe are also predicting higher temperatures this summer.
But he warned that a warmer seasonal forecast in Canada doesn't mean there won't be any cold and rainy days ahead.
"We always have that mixed bag (of weather) in Canada," Phillips said. "The weather attacks us from every direction."
The summer solstice Monday brings soaring temperatures for many Canadians.
Heat warnings are in effect in Toronto, where the temperature is expected to hit 34 C, in Ottawa where the mercury is forecast to hit 33C and in Montreal where the daily high could reach 32 C.
Warmer than normal temperatures are also expected in much of the Maritimes and in Vancouver.
