'Not too hot, not too cold': Dave Phillips provides summer predictions
Sunday marks the official first day of summer.
At 11:32 p.m., the sun will reach its northern path in its orbit, marking the official start of the summer solstice.
For those wondering what summer will be like in Simcoe Muskoka, Dave Phillips, Sr. Climatologist at Environment and Climate Change Canada, offers his predictions.
"Not too hot, not too cold," says Phillips. "Almost ideal from a temperature point of view."
So far, we've experienced a taste of summer throughout spring, with five days in Barrie that brought temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius.
The remainder of June isn't showing scorching humidity, according to Phillips.
He predicts this year will bring warmer than average temperatures, but not the same sweltering heat we saw last year.
Above seasonal temperatures are anticipated throughout July, August and September.
Last year brought a warmer summer on average, with 24 days in Barrie where the temperatures soared past 30 degrees Celsius.
In Ontario, the lack of rain, however, has proven to be a concern thus far.
January initiated dry conditions, with May and June displaying a similar pattern. The precipitation levels are almost a third of what is considered normal.
Phillips says the lack of rain is worrisome.
"In the heat of summer, you need more rain, not less," he says.
For those seeking warm lake temperatures, this year may leave much to be desired. Water temperatures are expected to be cooler than last year and lake levels won't be as high.
Phillips says we'll have our share of severe weather as well.
"We'll get our share, but the beauty of the summer is it doesn't last very long."
Sunday marks the longest day in the northern hemisphere, with 15.5 hours of sunlight.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.