CLIMATE 



On the whole the climate of the Canadian Eastern Arctic is rela- 

 tively dry and cold. The influence of the many water areas is 

 shown in the modification of the autumn and early winter tempera- 

 tures, as compared to continental areas of similar latitudes. How- 

 ever, temperatures average below freezing in September. The 

 autumn days become shorter and ice is formed on small water 

 bodies by October. Approximately half of the total snowfall oc- 

 curs in autumn, which is usually the stormiest time of the year. 



Winds in gale proportions may occur at any time and coupled 

 with low temperatures they cause considerable human discomfort 

 through increased bodily heat loss (windchill factor) . The coldest 

 month is February at most stations. The average mean tempera- 

 ture is between minus 20° F. and minus 30° F., with absolute mini- 

 mums going to minus 50° F. to minus 60° F. The winter is long, 

 dark, and severe. Mean temperatures below 0° F. may be ex- 

 pected from November to April. Only small amounts of snow fall 

 in the winter although it is a stormy and windy period. Because 

 the rate of evaporation is low, the snow remains on the ground all 

 winter except where it is swept away by the wind. Snow depth is 

 greatest in April. 



Spring comes late and is evidenced more by an increase in day- 

 light than by a marked rise in temperature. Minimum tempera- 

 tures are still low and in many cases the lowest temperatures of 

 the year are reported in March. The water areas, now frozen, 

 tend to intensify this cold. By June the mean temperatures aver- 

 age above freezing. June, July, and August are cool, with July 

 being the warmest month. Average summer maximum tempera- 

 tures are in the 50's but temperatures of 84° F. have been recorded 

 at Chesterfield and 81° F. at Lake Harbour. A secondary snow- 

 fall maximum occurs in spring and some rain may fall in summer. 



The summer is short and the frost-free growing season varies 

 from only 29 days in the northern islands to a maximum of 67 days 

 at Chesterfield. This short gi'owing season and the general lack 

 of soil minimize farming possibilities. During the summer the 

 southern part of the eastern arctic lies under the influence of the 

 cyclones, bringing cloudy, humid, and cool weather. 



The summer is the season when fog is most prevalent, especially 

 over the sea. It constitutes one of the greatest hazards to travel 

 along the coastal areas. Relatively warm air from the land con- 

 denses when it contacts the cold arctic waters. Low clouds and 

 fog may occur on as many as 15 to 25 days in any one summer 



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