Summer 2025 bid farewell in Calgary, marking a season characterized by a damp beginning and an extended period of warm and dry weather. September broke records as the hottest month ever recorded in the city, with summer-like temperatures persisting throughout. The month also stood out as the driest in nearly 150 years, receiving only 0.4 millimetres of rainfall, the lowest amount since 1885.
Weather expert Kyle Brittain highlighted the anomaly of such minimal precipitation, with just 6.6 millimetres recorded since August 9, emphasizing the unusual weather pattern experienced in Western Canada. In contrast, July was notably wet, ranking as the third rainiest on record with 168 millimetres of rainfall.
July brought extreme weather events, including a severe hailstorm on July 13, which caused significant damage, resulting in estimated costs of $164 million. Despite these challenges, skies were clearer compared to previous summers, with only 110 smoke hours recorded from May to September, a notable decrease from the 512 hours logged in 2023.
Amidst the unpredictable weather, summer attractions in Calgary reported resilient attendance levels. While July’s rainy days impacted outdoor activities, visitor numbers surged towards the end of the season. Calaway Park and Heritage Park both experienced strong attendance figures, with a notable increase in tourists visiting the latter.
The fluctuating weather conditions also influenced crop yields positively for some farmers. The cool, rainy start benefitted crops like corn and canola, with farmers welcoming the unexpected rainfall. Despite the challenges posed by external factors such as tariffs and trade wars affecting crop prices, the recent weather conditions have been favorable for harvesting.
Looking ahead, meteorologist Kyle Brittain anticipates a potential La Niña formation, signaling colder temperatures and increased snowfall for the upcoming winter season. Calgarians are advised to prepare for a shift towards more typical winter conditions as fall transitions into the colder months.
