Bring It On

OTTAWA — Canadians can look forward to a sunny summer this year, forecasters say.

After an unusually warm winter, most Canadians can expect more of the same in the coming months, according to Environment Canada.

"There's a good chance that the temperature will be above normal in most of Canada," said Richard Moffet, a meteorologist at Environment Canada.

There are exceptions, however. While most of Canada is expected to be a bit warmer than usual, certain areas will see an average summer.

Toronto, Ottawa and Windsor in Ontario will likely be looking at a more average summer situation, according to Environment Canada along with all of Quebec including Montreal. Western Vancouver Island is also expected to experience its usual summer weather this year.

Last week, B.C. Environment Minister Barry Penner warned the province may be hit with a drought in the summer following two months of unusually warm and dry weather.

But Moffet said a drought is unlikely.

"Precipitation has been close to normal and they've had normal rainfall so I don't think there should be a drought," said Moffet.

Similarly, Canadians shouldn't fear El Nino's effect on the weather, he said.

"We're still in an El Nino year but its strength is decreasing," said Moffet. "It will last throughout the spring but will fade into summer."

El Nino is a warm ocean current that affects temperatures worldwide and was blamed for the lack of snow during the Vancouver Winter Olympics last month.

The warm weather, combined with the rising Canadian dollar — the loonie is forecasted to be on par with the U.S. dollar by early summer and to surpass it before the fall — means the next few months could be busy for Canadians.

"The feedback we're getting is that people are expecting a good year with our economy showing signs of recovery," said Michele Mckenzie, the president and CEO of the Canadian Tourism Commission.

According to a survey conducted by the Hotel Association of Canada, 78 per cent of leisure tourists are expected to travel as much or more than they usually do in 2010.

"We've got almost half of those surveyed stating that they are vacation-deprived," said Tony Pollard, president of the Hotel Association of Canada.

Summer cottage rental rates are also on the rise.

"We're expecting a better year in rentals," said Shawn Hisko, the owner of a prominent cottage-resource directory. "The weather is especially a factor for last-minute people because, if it's not co-operating, it stops some of them."