Research shows Edmonton lost three days of winter due to climate change

Edmonton is losing winter days or above-freezing temperatures, new research shows.

From 2014 to 2023, Edmonton experienced an annual average loss of three winter days or days with temperatures above zero degrees.

Other major Canadian cities are also losing winter days: Vancouver (19), Toronto (13) and Calgary (five).

In Edmonton, while the days of lost winter days are noticeable, it is not detrimental for Snow Valley, as they doing what they can to adapt to changing winter weather using new technologies.

“We’re always mitigating those types of things with snow-making systems being more efficient. So it’s a matter of being able to manage your industry in your time because there’s only one time of year you can go,” said Tim Dea of Snow Valley Skill Hill.

But according to University of Alberta professor Greg King, climate change will be the biggest driver of the temperature shift from burning coal, oil and gas. And while some people are looking forward a warmer winter, they are missing the bigger picture.

“Really devastates road systems, if you think about the infrastructure and how we clear sidewalks and how we deal with ice,” said the environmental studies professor. “Because you have more likely to have different types of precipitation at these warmer temperatures.”

Ecosystems like the timing of trees to leaf out will be changing, which could affect insects and birds. King adds this trend will likely increase in the future.

“I would say a very high probability,” he said.