From the Calgary Sun:
Soggy and shivering, Calgarians can take solace in knowing their province has the country's most comfortable climate, says Environment Canada.
Though their breath was visible in the midst of yesterday's rain, city residents can still be content with having the nation's sunniest, most forgiving weather, said climatologist David Phillips.
"It's been a bummer of a summer but you should be grateful because Environment Canada concludes you have the most comfortable place in Canada," said Phillips from his office in Toronto. "One year does not a trend make."
Calgary has already recorded more than a month's worth of average rain for August along with daytime high temperatures 2C lower than the norm, said Phillips. A chilly June was the city's wettest month on record.
But by averaging out a host of weather categories from 1971 to 2000, Alberta's boasted a weather advantage, ranking first in Canada for the most sunny days annually and during the cold months.
It also has the lowest annual snowfall and ranks second in having the sunniest summers and fewest foggy days.
"Most people tend to think of Alberta for being cold, but it's got a lot going for it," said Phillips.
By contrast, Nunavut has the least comfortable climate, with Quebec coming in a chilly second.
P.E.I. chalked up the most humid summers and freezing rain days. Canada's wettest province was Nova Scotia.
Though it may seem hard to believe given Calgary's clammy summer, Alberta ranked third among the 13 provinces and territories for rain-free days.
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STATS DON'T LIE, OR DO THEY?
Alberta weather statistics compiled by Environment Canada, 1971-2000.
* First; most sunny days year round -- 312.41 days
* Second; sunniest summer -- 854.9 hours
* Third; most days with light wind -- 296.35
* Third; most thunderstorm days -- 20.81
* Third; sunniest fall -- 405.64 hours
* Fifth; mildest winter -- -8.14C
* Fifth; most hot days (30C and over) -- 4.51 days
* Eighth; for coldest winter -- -19.08C
* Ninth; for driest summer air -- 1.15 kPa
* Tenth; snowiest springs -- 35.89 cm
* Twelfth; most snow days annually -- 60.02 days
