Weather GP of Canada: mild conditions in the shadow of forest fires
As Montreal prepares to vibrate to the rhythm of the Canadian Grand Prix, another, far more worrying reality is still hanging in the air: the forest fires currently ravaging central Canada. As at every Grand Prix, Motors Inside brings you a detailed weather report, essential for anticipating conditions that could play a strategic role on the track.
The provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan are facing a difficult situation, with currently more than 200 wildfires still active, most of which remain out of control. By mid-June, more than 35,000 people had been forced to evacuate their homes.
The Quebec metropolis is not completely spared: the smoke generated by these fires veiled the Montreal sky until the middle of the week, tarnishing the beginning of summer and reminding that the weather is not always limited to forecasts of rain or sunshine.
In this particular context, the Canadian Grand Prix, the tenth round of the season, sets up on the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, a true urban theater of speed located a few kilometers from downtown, famous for its intense braking zones, tricky chicanes, and its famous Wall of Champions. This same track also hosts three Formula Academy races for the first time this weekend.
Read also: Grand Prix du Canada: key figures and records of Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve
General situation
Montreal is currently under the influence of a high-pressure ridge centered over southern Ontario and the Great Lakes region. This configuration favors stable weather, with little or no precipitation, but often cloudy skies. Cooler and drier air from the west prevails this Friday, which explains the cooler than usual temperatures for the season.
By Saturday morning, a weak low-pressure system will move up from the United States toward eastern Quebec. This poorly organized system will quickly pass through the region, giving way by Saturday afternoon to a milder air flow and clearer skies. This improvement is linked to the strengthening of a high-pressure system centered on the east coast of the United States, which will promote sunny weather and a gradual rise in temperatures over the weekend.
Friday, June 13: Free Practice 1 (7:30 PM Paris time) and Free Practice 2 (11 PM Paris time)
The day will start with a partly cloudy sky, but the clouds will gradually increase in the afternoon, with a generally overcast sky from 4 PM. No precipitation is expected.
The wind, initially coming from the northwest, will gradually shift to the west throughout the afternoon. It will blow between 5 and 15 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 20 km/h.
Air temperatures will remain between 17°C and 18°C during both free practice sessions, while track temperature will vary between 28°C and 30°C. The humidity level will be around 40%.
Saturday, June 14: Free Practice 3 (6:30 PM Paris time) and Qualifying (10:00 PM Paris time)
Saturday will start with overcast skies, but conditions will improve quickly in early afternoon with the arrival of clear spells and long sunny periods. The atmosphere will become increasingly bright as the hours pass. The wind will blow lightly from the northeast at about 10 km/h throughout the day, helping to maintain a relatively stable atmosphere.
On the temperature side, the air will fluctuate between 20°C and 22°C during the driving sessions, while the track temperature could rise between 32°C and 40°C, especially due to more direct sunlight in the afternoon.
The UV index will reach a high level, around 7. Atmospheric pressure will be slightly decreasing. The air will be noticeably drier than the day before, with a humidity level just above 35%.
Sunday, June 15: The race (8 PM Paris time)
Sunday is expected to be mostly sunny, with clear to slightly cloudy skies from sunrise to sunset. It will undoubtedly be the hottest day of the weekend.
At the time of departure, scheduled for 2 p.m. local time (8 p.m. in Paris), the ambient temperature will reach about 23°C, while the Gilles-Villeneuve circuit track will display nearly 40°C due to solar radiation.
The conditions will remain perfectly dry throughout the 70 laps of the race. A light easterly breeze, blowing between 10 and 30 km/h, will slightly refresh the atmosphere without disrupting the driving conditions.
These stable and warm conditions could have a significant impact on tire management and race strategies, particularly concerning the risk of overheating and tire degradation, especially if the softest compound (C6) is used.
