St. Albert will have some near-normal fall weather this week after last week’s scorching heat. Environment Canada predicted daytime highs of 16 to 20 C over St. Albert for Sept. 10 through 16 as of Sept. 10, with showers and rain predicted from Sept. 11 to 13. Cloudy conditions were expected to roll in on the night of Sept. 10 and largely continue until Sept. 16.

Such temperatures were within the normal 6-to-17 C conditions this city has historically seen at this time of year, and were a marked change from the scorching 30 C heat it experienced the previous weekend.

A Break From the Heat

The predicted cooler temperatures come as a relief to many residents who had been struggling with the recent heatwave. The change in weather patterns is also a welcome sight for farmers who are in the midst of harvest season.

Impact on Farmers

While the showers might be of annoyance to some farmers, who traditionally prefer their crops to be dry when they’re harvested, the recent hot conditions had let Edmonton-area farmers bring in the harvest at a record pace. Alberta Agriculture reports that some 16 per cent of major crops combined as of Sept. 3 — way ahead of the 10-year average of 6 per cent.

Climate Change and the Future of Weather

The recent heatwave and the ongoing shift in weather patterns highlight the increasing impact of climate change. Environment Canada was projecting above normal temperatures for Alberta for the next three months. That follows on what the European climate service Copernicus determined last Friday to be Earth’s hottest summer on record — a consequence of human-caused climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions.

A Global Trend

The record-breaking heat witnessed across the globe is not an isolated event. It is part of a larger trend of rising global temperatures, driven by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, leading to a gradual warming of the planet. The consequences of this warming are already being felt, from more frequent and intense heatwaves to rising sea levels and changes in precipitation patterns.

Looking Ahead

While the coming week in St. Albert may offer a temporary reprieve from the recent heat, it is crucial to remember that these weather patterns are likely to become increasingly extreme in the future. It is essential for individuals and governments to take action to mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By embracing sustainable practices and investing in renewable energy sources, we can work towards a future where our planet's climate is more stable and predictable.

Visit weather.gc.ca and search for “St. Albert” for the latest weather forecast.