The Weather Network's Summer Outlook: Meteorologists Share what to Expect this Summer

A warm summer expected across the country

OAKVILLE, ON, June 4, 2012 /CNW/ - According to The Weather Network's Summer Outlook, released today, a warm summer is on the horizon, with normal to above normal temperatures expected across the country. The greatest chance for above normal temperatures will be across the western Prairies as well as, Atlantic Canada, with most regions experiencing extended periods of warm weather.

"As with any season, preparedness is key to managing what's in store," says Chris Scott, Director of Meteorology with The Weather Network. "Warm summer weather comes with the threat of damaging thunderstorms, including tornadoes. We encourage Canadians to take precautions when severe weather is forecast and check with us regularly."

June 1^st marked the official start of the hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean.  The season is expected to start off more active than usual due to above normal sea surface temperatures. However, the possible development of El Niño conditions later in the season may limit the overall number of storms.

The Western Canada Summer
Near normal precipitation will dominate west of the Ontario/Manitoba border.  Eastern British Columbia and Western Alberta are expected to be in a warm pattern which could heighten the potential of forest fires.

The Eastern Canada Summer
Above normal temperatures and precipitation are expected for Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.  Near normal temperatures and precipitation will dominate the rest of Eastern Canada except for parts of Southern Ontario and Quebec which could see above normal precipitation.

Severe Summer Weather Safety tips
Canadians should expect a normal amount of storms throughout the summer, and with those summer storms comes the risk of lightning and tornadoes. While indoors is the best place to be during severe weather, if you can't reach the safety of a building or vehicle, avoid high ground, water, tall isolated trees and metal objects.

The Weather Network offers some additional tips to stay safe when storms hit this summer:

Lightning Safety

• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
• Seek shelter in a building or in a metal topped vehicle.
• If no shelter is available, avoid high spots and tall objects. Make yourself small but do not lie flat on the ground.
• Stay away from windows, corded appliances and avoid running tap water.

Tornado Safety

• Listen to The Weather Network for updated storm information.
• If you are inside, go to the basement or an interior room on the lowest floor.
• If you are in a car, mobile home or outside and see a tornado, hurry to a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area only if there is no shelter.
• After a tornado has passed, watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of the damaged area.

The Weather Network's Summer Outlook is now available online. To learn even more about the expected conditions this summer, tune into The Weather Network on June 4^th.

The Weather Network's summer 2012 forecast

Regions	Temperature outlook	Precipitation outlook
British Columbia	Near normal to the west off a line beginning near Hope in the south, passing through Prince George and ending near Smith River in the northern part of the province. Warmer than normal conditions expected for eastern part of the province.	Near normal for most of BC. Drier than normal conditions are expected for the northeast tip of the province.
Alberta	Warmer than normal conditions are expected for most regions. Near normal for the northeast tip of the province.	Near normal across the province. Exceptions will be the north west and south east tips of the province where drier than normal conditions are expected.
Saskatchewan	Warmer than normal conditions are expected for regions near the Alberta/Saskatchewan border. Near normal temperatures are forecasted elsewhere.	Near normal precipitation is expected across most of the province. Expect drier than normal conditions in the extreme southwest.
Manitoba	Near normal conditions are expected in the province.	Near normal conditions are expected in the province.
Ontario	Near normal conditions are expected in the province.	Near normal for most of the province. Wetter than normal conditions are forecasted for areas close to Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.
Québec	Near normal conditions are expected in the province.	Near normal for most of Quebec. Wetter than normal conditions are forecasted for the south west tip of the province.
Atlantic Canada	Near normal for New Brunswick, Labrador, Northern Peninsula in Newfoundland and western PEI. Above normal for Nova Scotia most of Newfoundland and the eastern half of PEI.	Near normal for New Brunswick, Labrador, Northern Peninsula in Newfoundland and western PEI. Wetter than normal for Nova Scotia most of Newfoundland and the eastern half of PEI.
Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut	Near normal for Nunavut, Yukon and most of Northwest Territories. Expect warmer than normal conditions in the south west tip of the NWT.	Near normal for Nunavut, Yukon and most of the Northwest Territories. Expect drier than normal conditions in the south west tip of NWT.

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For further information:

For further information, maps or to arrange an interview with a meteorologist, please contact:

Deanna Ghandour
Corporate Communications Specialist, The Weather Network
905-829-1159 ext. 1358 [email protected]

Megan Moulton
High Road Communications for The Weather Network
416-644-1376 [email protected]