Increased sunshine makes up for the cold

Iqaluit was colder than usual last month, according to environment Canada.

The average temperature in January was -28.9° C, about three degrees colder than the normal average of -25.8° C. Jan. 3 was the only day recording single-digit minus temperatures, but was accompanied by high winds and drifting snow.

The mercury dropped into the -40s on Jan. 25 and 30, but precipitation amounts for the month were below average. Normally, about 21.8 mm of precipitation falls in January. This year, only 12.4 mm were recorded. This was reflected in the low amounts of snow on the ground, ranging between 4 and 7 cm for most of the month.

There was more sunshine than usual this month, though, with 44.3 hours — six hours more than the usual 38.3 hours.