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Burns Lake’s 2018 summer seventh driest on record

In August Burns Lake only saw 3.3 mm of rain
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Although forecast models suggest slightly cooler-than-normal temperatures for the first half of October, that trend is expected to change after mid-October. (AccuWeather image)

Rainfall did not contribute much to alleviate Burns Lake’s devastating wildfire season this summer, according to Environment Canada.

In June, July and August, the area saw 78 mm of rain, compared to the usual 137 mm – making it the seventh driest summer on record.

August alone was Burns Lake’s second driest on record, with only 3.3 mm of rain, which is about eight per cent of normal.

In terms of temperatures, this summer was slightly cooler than normal.

According to Matt McDonald, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, the amount of smoke hovering over the Burns Lake area likely contributed to the slightly cooler temperatures.

“With all the smoke in the area, it really limits the daytime heating,” he said, adding that Burns Lake averaged 0.3 C colder than normal.

Although the area saw near normal temperatures in September – with highs of 13 C and overnight lows of 2 C, Burns Lake started seeing a cooling trend Sunday.

“We’ll start seeing some frosty nights, getting down to -3 C and -4 C beginning Sunday onwards.”

According to McDonald, B.C. saw a dramatic shift in weather between August and September.

“We came out of this record-breaking heat and drought this summer, and as soon as September rolled we went from the peak of summer to late fall conditions. We didn’t have that early fall.”

“The past week was a lot more seasonal with sun and near-normal temperatures,” he added.

Although Environment Canada models suggest slightly cooler-than-normal temperatures for the first half of October, that trend is expected to change after mid-October.

“As we get to the second half of October, November and December, our long-term models are suggesting warmer-than-normal [temperatures] for the rest of the fall season.”

When it comes to winter, McDonald said models are hinting at a weak El Niño, which tends to bring warmer-than-normal temperatures. Typically the effects of El Niño only become apparent toward the end of December.

“The winter may very well be slightly warmer than normal,” he said.


 

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