Marek Kučera 
In late May 2025, Edmonton experienced an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 32.8°C, significantly above the seasonal average. This extreme heat coincided with a surge in wildfires across central Canada, particularly in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, leading to widespread evacuations.
🔥 Edmonton’s Unprecedented Heat
Edmonton’s temperature spike to 32.8°C marked one of the highest May temperatures on record for the city. This heatwave was part of a broader pattern of rising temperatures across the region, attributed to a persistent high-pressure system and exacerbated by climate change. The combination of high temperatures and dry conditions created an environment conducive to wildfires.
🌲 Wildfires Ravage Central Canada
Simultaneously, central Canada faced a severe wildfire outbreak. In Manitoba alone, approximately 200,000 hectares have burned, tripling the province’s annual average. The Bird River and Border fires remain uncontained, prompting the evacuation of over 17,000 residents and leading to states of emergency in both Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
These fires have produced massive smoke plumes, with pyrocumulus clouds forming due to the intense heat. The smoke has drifted into the United States, affecting air quality across several states, including Minnesota and Michigan.
🌡️ Climate Change: A Driving Force
Experts point to climate change as a significant factor in these concurrent events. The increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves and wildfires align with scientific predictions about the effects of a warming climate. Studies indicate that such high temperatures in central Canada are now at least five times more likely due to climate change.
