According to The Weather Network’s Summer Outlook, a warm summer is on the horizon, with normal to above normal temperatures expected across the country. The greatest chance for above normal temperatures will be across the western Prairies as well as, Atlantic Canada, with most regions experiencing extended periods of warm weather.

“As with any season, preparedness is key to managing what’s in store,” says Chris Scott, Director of Meteorology with The Weather Network. “Warm summer weather comes with the threat of damaging thunderstorms, including tornadoes. We encourage Canadians to take precautions when severe weather is forecast and check with us regularly.”

June 1st marked the official start of the hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean. The season is expected to start off more active than usual due to above normal sea surface temperatures. However, the possible development of El Niño conditions later in the season may limit the overall number of storms.

In Saskatchewan warmer than normal conditions are expected for regions near the Alberta/Saskatchewan border. Near normal temperatures are forecasted elsewhere. Near normal precipitation is expected across most of the province. Expect drier than normal conditions in the extreme southwest.

Canadians should expect a normal amount of storms throughout the summer, and with those summer storms comes the risk of lightning and tornadoes. While indoors is the best place to be during severe weather, if you can’t reach the safety of a building or vehicle, avoid high ground, water, tall isolated trees and metal objects.

The Weather Network offers some additional tips to stay safe when storms hit this summer:

Lightning Safety

If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

Seek shelter in a building or in a metal topped vehicle.

If no shelter is available, avoid high spots and tall objects. Make yourself small but do not lie flat on the ground.

Stay away from windows, corded appliances and avoid running tap water.

Tornado Safety

Listen to The Weather Network for updated storm information.

If you are inside, go to the basement or an interior room on the lowest floor.

If you are in a car, mobile home or outside and see a tornado, hurry to a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area only if there is no shelter.

After a tornado has passed, watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of the damaged area.