Intense wildfires and hurricanes likely as climate change pushes N.L. to hotter summers

Canada's scorching heat waves this summer were likely the result of climate change, says Environment and Climate Change Canada, while scientists say people should brace for more consequences from swings in the weather, including hurricanes and wildfires. 

Atlantic Canada experienced temperatures in June that were 10.6 degrees higher than average, says Environment Canada research scientist Nathan Gillett. 

In Newfoundland and Labrador, June's monthly temperature averages were above normal in every region, according to Environment Canada.

Labrador saw the highest above-average temperatures, and experienced a dramatic wildfire season, forcing evacuations in Churchill Falls and later Labrador West. 

Gillett says that all heat waves that scientists analyzed this summer were "at least twice as likely because of human-induced climate change."

"The risk of these kinds of heat waves is substantially increased because of climate change. And you know, of course, we expect it to continue to increase as the climate continues to warm," said Gillett. 

Among the impacts of rising temperatures are longer ice-free seasons, snow on the ground for less time, more heavy rainfall events, a rise in the sea level, and more storm surges. 

Heat waves can have different impacts in different regions. 

"Whether you're on the coast, it'll always be cooler, moderated by the ocean. Whereas if you're on land away from the water, then … typically the temperatures can get hotter," said Gillett.

However, he says the warming is widespread. 

"Heat waves are going to get hotter everywhere," said Gillett, "whether you're the ocean or inland." 

Warming temperatures mean an increased risk of wildfires, says Gillett, who added that the size of the area burned to date in Newfoundland and Labrador is well above the long-term average. 

"Across Canada, we can expect or we're seeing it already an increased risk of wildfire from warming drying out forests." 

In the last two years, Canada has seen a greater number of wildfires than average, says Norm Catto, a retired Memorial University geography professor.