It's going to be a hot and sticky start to summer.
Summer, which officially arrives at 4:50 p.m., will overall be warmer than normal according to Environment Canada Warning Preparedness Meteorologist Steven Flisfeder.
"We can't necessarily say that because it's been hot this week, that it's going to continue in perpetuity all summer long," said Flisfeder. "Summer does have its ups and downs. So, while it has been extremely hot this week and will continue for the next couple of days, that doesn't necessarily mean that it's going to be like this all summer long."
Normal highs for this time of year are around 26 C.
With above normal temperatures expected in the summer forecast, we should remember to take precautions to stay cool and beat the heat.
"And that's the kind of a message that should be taken throughout the summer as a whole, especially since we are anticipating a warmer than normal summer," said Flisfeder." It's going to be important to keep that kind of information, those kinds of recommendations in mind throughout the entirety of the summer, stay cool, stay hydrated and check in on loved ones, neighbours, friends and family, especially those that have pre-existing conditions."
Flisfeder said with hot and humid conditions, there is the risk and potential for severe thunderstorms.
"Summer is the severe thunderstorm season," he said. "So, as we have these hot and humid conditions, if there's some kind of trigger like a cold front that will come through, that will snap those thunderstorms into action. That means, periods of heavy, intense torrential rains in a short period of time."
He said as far as precipitation, they're a lot less confident typically with forecasts on a seasonal level. He says guidance is basically showing an equal chance of above and below normal precipitation.
The first day of summer is the longest day and shortest night of the calendar year.