More temperature records as Hamilton basks in extended February heat wave
Hamilton had a temperature of nearly 18 C before noon Thursday, far surpassing the previous record of 14.3 C set in 1984.
David Phillips, Senior Climatologist at Environment Canada, says the recent warm spell has left even him in awe.
This is actually the warmest February week on record.- David Phillips, Senior Climatologist at Environment Canada
"What has amazes me is the length of this February heat wave, its gone on since last Saturday and there have been several records in the Hamilton-Niagara area," Phillips said.
"This is actually the warmest February week on record."
It's been a stretch of several days of record-breaking weather, beginning over the weekend.
Hamilton isn't the only city experiencing odd weather this time of year. Phillips said that while Hamilton has had consistently warm temperatures, other cities haven't had the same luck.
"The surprising one was Collingwood," Phillips said. "Yesterday it got up to 18.7 C in temperature and places around it were 7 C."
Yesterday's temperatures were long gone today, with Collingwood registering a high of only 7 C.
"I'm sure people there were bundled up compared to yesterday," Phillips said.
"They were probably drinking beer on the outdoor patio in muscle-shirts and tank tops and today they're wearing parkas and balaclavas," he added.
In the coming days, Hamilton might see temperatures around 8 C, well above the average temperature. However, Phillips isn't ready to count out winter.
"I wouldn't put away the snow shovel just yet," Phillips said.
There are winners and losers with this kind of unusual February heat wave. But it's hard to take the smiles off most peoples faces.- David Phillips, Senior Climatologist at Environment Canada
"We typically get about 20 per cent of the annual snowfall after March 1, but I think the back of winter is clearly broken. "This has made it feel more spring-like than it really should be," he added.
February's fluctuating temperatures are also reason to worry, Phillips explained.
"My worry is the fact that the snow has disappeared and if vegetation is tricked by these warm temperatures and then we get the inevitable frost, we may see some damage," Phillips said.
"There are winners and losers with this kind of unusual February heat wave," Phillips added, "but it's hard to take the smiles off most peoples faces."