Above-average temps and high UV levels for the Arctic: Environment Canada

This Environment Canada map released June 1 shows where Canada can expect above-average temperatures this summer. All but an area of southwestern Hudson Bay are looking at higher-than-usual temperature through to the end of August. (IMAGE/ ENVIRONMENT CANADA)

Put on your sunglasses and find that sunscreen: Nunavut and Nunavik are expected to experience high-than-average summer temperatures this summer, according to Enmvironment Canada’s summer forecast, released June 1.

This means communities from Cambridge Bay to Kuujjuaraapik are likely to see warm weather from June to the end of August.

Environment Canada scientists also predict that UV (ultraviolet) values across Canada will be about three to four per cent higher than usual during the summer months, and possibly even higher for some days in the spring, as compared to pre-1980 levels, due to the reduced thickness of the ozone layer.

Record ozone thinning in the Arctic this spring is expected to contribute to these higher UV values, stated Environment Canada.

Protective ozone is located in the stratosphere, which starts about 10 kilometres above the ground.

The ozone molecules there absorb ultraviolet light and help shield people, plants and ecosystems from harmful solar radiation that has been linked to skin cancer, cataracts and crop damage.

Exposure to more UV radiation from the sun increases the risk of sunburn, skin cancers and cataracts and can weaken the immune system.

To see the risk from UV rays, you can check the UV Index forecast, on Environment Canada forecasts which serves as a guide, allowing you to know when to protect yourselves from overexposure to the sun.

Environment Canada issues a UV forecast whenever the UV Index reaches 3 or more.

For example, Environment Canada’s forecast for June 4 in Kuujjuaq reads “Sunny. Wind becoming southeast 20 km/h this afternoon. High 13. UV index 5 or moderate.” For Iqaluit, the forecast for June 4 in Iqaluit reads “A mix of sun and cloud. High 6. UV index 6 or high.”