By almost every measure, Canadians are expected to try to mitigate these pandemic-plagued times by spending more time outdoors this summer as well as travelling domestically and staying closer to home. So, what kind of weather can we expect?

According to The Weather Network’s summer forecast, Canadians can expect a little bit of everything during the months of June, July, and August. But the good news is there will be near or normal temperatures for most of the country and more sunny days than usual – ideal for both the beach and backyard barbecues.

“However, there is a downside for areas that are expected to see a hot and dry summer,” says TWN chief meteorologist Chris Scott. “Drought conditions are possible for agricultural regions across much of Western Canada, along with a heightened risk for wildfires and poor air quality. On the other side of the country, a very active hurricane season is also expected with an increased risk for impacts to Atlantic Canada.”

Below is Scott’s more detailed look at the conditions that can be expected across Canada this summer:

Ontario & Quebec – are kicking off the season with widespread drought conditions already in place across much of the region. We expect that extended periods of dry weather will continue to be an issue this summer, but we think that a stormy pattern at times with a few moisture-laden systems will help to bring much of this region to near normal rainfall totals for the season. Periods of hot weather are likely, but we will also see significant breaks from the heat. A strong finish to summer is expected with warm weather continuing deep into September.

The Prairies – A hot summer is expected across much of the region, and worsening drought conditions are a major concern for agriculture across southern parts of the Prairies. Meanwhile, a stormy pattern is expected further to the north, across central and northern areas. The heightened risk for wildfires to the west could bring poor air quality to the region at times.

British Columbia – A hot and dry summer is expected across the interior of the province with a very warm and dry pattern expected near the coast. This will bring an increasing threat of wildfires and poor air quality as we progress through the season.

Atlantic Canada – A very warm, humid, and stormy summer is expected across the region, but periods of dry weather are also likely. We are anticipating a few moisture-laden systems that will bring a large percentage of the rainfall totals for the season. We are also closely watching the tropics as a very active hurricane season is expected with a heightened risk for tropical systems to impact the region.

Northern Canada – A warmer than normal summer is expected for the Yukon and across western parts of the NWT. Near normal temperatures are expected across the eastern half of the NWT and across most of Nunavut. Below normal temperatures are expected near the western shoreline of Hudson Bay.