Climate Profiles of Fort Providence, Fort Smith, and Hay River
The regions surrounding Fort Providence, Fort Smith, and Hay River experience a rigorous subarctic climate characterized by extreme seasonal contrasts. From bone-chilling winters with severe wind chills to surprisingly warm summers, these locations demonstrate the dramatic environmental shifts typical of the Canadian North.
Weather patterns in these areas are defined by long, cold winters and short, mild summers. The transition between these seasons is rapid, with temperature swings that can be drastic over a few short weeks.
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Key Facts
- Extreme Cold: Record low temperatures have plummeted to -57.2°C in Fort Smith and -52.2°C in both Hay River and Fort Providence.
- Summer Peaks: Fort Smith has recorded the highest temperature among the three at 39.9°C.
- Wind Chill: Severe winter conditions are common, with record low wind chills reaching -60.4°C in Fort Smith.
- Precipitation: Fort Smith receives the highest average annual precipitation of the three, totaling 360.1 mm.
- Humidity: Relative humidity peaks in November and December, often exceeding 80% across all three locations.
Detailed Regional Climate Data
Fort Providence
Located at an elevation of 161.5 m, Fort Providence sees a mean annual daily temperature of -2.4°C. The winter months are harsh, with January recording a mean daily minimum of -27.2°C. Conversely, July provides the warmest window, with a mean daily maximum of 23.9°C and a record high humidex—a measure of how hot it feels when humidity is combined with air temperature—of 37.9°C.
Fort Smith
Fort Smith, situated at 205.1 m elevation, exhibits slightly higher annual mean temperatures (-1.4°C) compared to its neighbors. It experiences significant summer heat, with a record high of 39.9°C. Precipitation is most frequent in the summer, with July averaging 58.5 mm. The area also sees substantial snowfall, particularly in November, where average snowfall reaches 142.2 cm.
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Hay River
Hay River, at an elevation of 164.9 m, shares similar temperature trends with a mean annual daily temperature of -2.2°C. It is notable for its extreme temperature records, including a record low of -52.2°C. Like Fort Smith, Hay River experiences its heaviest snowfall in November, averaging 145.5 cm. Its warmest month is July, with a mean daily maximum of 21.7°C.
Comparative Climate Summary
The following table provides a side-by-side comparison of the annual climate normals for the three locations based on 1991–2020 data.
| Metric | Fort Providence | Fort Smith | Hay River |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Mean Temp (°C) | -2.4 | -1.4 | -2.2 |
| Record High Temp (°C) | 35.3 | 39.9 | 36.7 |
| Record Low Temp (°C) | -46.8 | -57.2 | -52.2 |
| Annual Precipitation (mm) | N/A | 360.1 | 320.3 |
| Record Low Wind Chill | -52.5 | -60.4 | -60.4 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which location experiences the coldest record temperature?
Fort Smith holds the record for the lowest temperature among the three, reaching -57.2°C.
When is the heaviest snowfall typically recorded?
In both Fort Smith and Hay River, November is the month with the highest average snowfall, recording 142.2 cm and 145.5 cm respectively.
What is the warmest month for these regions?
July is consistently the warmest month, with mean daily maximums ranging from 21.7°C in Hay River to 23.9°C in Fort Providence.
How does the humidex affect these areas?
While generally dry, these regions can experience high humidex values in the summer; Hay River has recorded a peak humidex of 44.6, indicating periods of intense perceived heat.
Which location has the highest annual precipitation?
Fort Smith has the highest average annual precipitation with a total of 360.1 mm.