How does Edmonton’s climate compare with the rest of Alberta’s continental climate?

Edmonton shares the general continental climate characteristic of Alberta, which is defined by dry, sunny, and cold winters alongside warm, wetter summers. However, Edmonton's specific climate profile differs from other regions of the province in the following ways:1

• Precipitation: Edmonton receives an average of 18 inches (460 mm) of annual precipitation. This is higher than the dry southeastern regions of Alberta, which receive about 12 inches (300 mm), but significantly lower than the mountainous areas, which can receive more than 50 inches (1,270 mm).1
• Temperature Moderation: Unlike southern Alberta, where Chinook winds can rapidly raise temperatures by 40 °F (22 °C) in an hour or less, Edmonton does not experience these dramatic winter warming events to the same extent.1

In Edmonton, mean temperatures range from -14 °C (6 °F) in January to 16 °C (60 °F) in July, with extreme temperatures recorded between -51 °C (-59 °F) and 35 °C (95 °F). About half of the city's annual precipitation occurs during the summer months of June through August.1