Yukon's February warmer than usual but not record-breaking
Temperature statistics range from above normal to well above normal
The statistics confirm what Yukoners already know: it was a warmer than usual February in the territory.
It was not quite record-topping, but it was close.
"In terms of the mean temperatures for Whitehorse, we were well above normal — about 6.7 degrees above normal," said Matt Loney, a meteorologist with Environment Canada.
Loney said the average temperature in February was –6 C, whereas the normal average is about –13 C.
That makes February the fifth warmest since 1942, when weather data started being recorded in the territory.
Loney didn't have statistics available for all of western Canada but said most communities in B.C. and Yukon recorded above or well-above normal temperatures in February.
Weather report by yours truly: Its worse to be in Toronto than it is to be in Whitehorse (Toronto: -20, and in Whitehorse: -3)
—@Nick3BoscoOvernight lows were... 2nd highest ever
Loney said the more "impressive" statistic was the night temperatures. The average overnight low is –17.6 C. Last month, it was –9 C, the second warmest minimum temperature since 1942.
He said El Nino is likely the primary reason for the balmy conditions.
"This kind of goes along with what we would normally expect with a major El Nino."
Loney said the warmer-than-average temperatures and dry conditions will likely continue, at least in the short term.
World-wide, weather watchers are saying February was the warmest ever recorded. They blame a combination of El Nino in the Pacific and climate change.