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Edmonton's climate varies considerably throughout the year. Summers are very pleasant with daytime high temperatures averaging around 20C and overnight lows around 10C. Occasionally the daytime high surpasses 30C. Due to the low humidity, the heat is dry and seldom oppressive. During June and much of July, daylight lasts about 17 hours. The sun rises around 5 am and sets around 10 pm. % h8 `" q* P j7 X7 x2 b- j
Normally the first frost appears sometime near the end of September. Most trees change color in late September and shed their leaves in early October. This is a very pretty time of year. Daytime highs are usually around 15C, but evenings require a jacket or sweater. The first permanent snowfall usually occurs in early November, although this may vary by a week or two.
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The first real taste of the colder winter temperatures usually occurs in November. January and early February are the coldest months of the year, and the overnight lows can reach -40C. Temperatures can vary considerably in winter, depending if the climate comes from the Pacific Ocean or Alaska. Daytime highs during these months can range from -30C on the coldest days to above 0C. Usually a cold spell lasts a week or so and then there is relief. Most of the colder days are usually sunny. During most of December and early January the days are short. The sun rises around 8:30 am and sets around 4:30 pm. 2 {3 a- _2 k. z7 i
7 }) a8 l6 H% B* P% u' dSpring can be quite unpredictable, although most of the winter snow has usually melted by the beginning of April. The leaves reappear on most trees near the middle of May.
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! K) ~1 D* W& Z3 q _3 L$ YFor those of you not familiar with the concept of a Canadian winter, you should be aware of the following when coming to live in Edmonton: & E% M( ?8 B9 a, B" C
G% F4 ?' ~8 ^6 v) R0 [All buildings have central heating. It is not necessary to wear heavy clothing indoors, even during the winter. Most people only wear heavy overcoats and shoes when going outdoors. You should prepare for winter by purchasing in September or October a good winter jacket, gloves, something to cover your head, and warm boots. - `* y$ Z- p6 p, w c) S
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Be sure to wear a hat that covers your ears on those cold days. You may even consider wearing a scarf to cover your face. Most heat loss occurs from the head, and windchills in winter can result in exposed flesh freezing in a matter of minutes. $ e) j3 O0 N: R( G! b; u
, ]; D" v9 E3 iIf you own an automobile, make sure your car has an in-block heater. At home, it is helpful to have access to a plug-in when parking your car outdoors overnight. Most University of Alberta parking stalls come equipped with electrical outlets. Be sure to equip your car with a set of booster cables. You should also consider an emergency survival kit consisting of a blanket, candles, and matches, especially if you travel at night in rural areas.
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$ n; T; u8 G' XGood radial tires are adequate for city driving in the winter, but you will need snow tires or chains if driving in higher elevations in the mountains. In the city, beware of slippery street conditions, especially after a snowfall! Watch for black ice on the roads, and always drive at a safe speed.
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! ~5 l! Q" Z9 v" b8 E3 Z9 E7 ZOverall, the city has four distinct seasons and the weather most of the time is pleasant and sunny. In fact, Edmonton has more hours of sunshine than any other major Canadian city, and the province itself has earned the nickname Sunny Alberta. |
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