Rain and Heat for Climbers on Canada Day Weekend
It’s the Canada Day long weekend in Canada and rock climbers across the country are getting ready to head to crags and walls from coast to coast to coast.
Ontario
If you’re in southern Ontario, you’re looking at a heat warning and extreme heat event. Beginning Friday and continuing through the Canada Day long weekend, daytime highs are expected to reach the mid-30s with humidex values into the mid-40s.
Overnight low temperatures will only fall to the low to mid twenties, providing little or no relief from the heat.
For southern Ontario climbers, seek shady crags, climb early or late at night and spend the mid-day swimming and on the patio.
Northern Ontario is expecting thunderstorms on Saturday and Sunday by mid-day, so head out early and get some cragging in.
Quebec
A warm airmass will settle into Southern Quebec this weekend and into the Quebec City area Monday. Monday will see the most humid conditions with daytime highs in the low to mid thirties and humidex values probably exceeding 40.
During the event, overnight lows will remain near 20 degrees Celsius and give only little or no relief from the heat. Heat warnings may eventually be required.
Consider planning your climbing to cooler hours of the day.
Maritimes
A warm and humid airmass will settle over the Maritimes this weekend bringing elevated humidex values to Nova Scotia.
Some areas could reach or exceed heat warning humidex values in the mid-30s this weekend. Coastal areas can expect slightly cooler conditions.
Head to coastal crags to beat the heat and seek shady walls in the trees or north facing.
Alberta
The areas around Banff will range from five degrees at night to about 19 degrees. There won’t be much himidity, but a lot of rain.
Afternoon thunderstorms are expected for Alberta, so maybe stay out of the alpine and head up longer multi-pitch rock routes early in the morning.
One of the best options will be to seek crags that aren’t too busy to get in the most amount of climbing this weekend.
B.C.
The Bugaboos are expecting a week of rain and storms starting on Saturday, so pack rain gear if you’re heading up.
Skaha is looking like the best place to climb this weekend with temps around 20.
Squamish will be wet and humid for the long weekend, but Vancouver island looks like mostly sun except for some showers on Saturday.
Have a fun and safe long weekend and great Canada Day!
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