Buildings and paved surfaces also absorb and retain heat, influencing local climates. Water heats up more slowly than land, but it holds its heat longer. That's one of the reasons why Victoria, B.C.'s climate is more moderate than Estevan, Saskatchewan's. Mountains, valleys and plains also influence climate. Mountains can block some air currents, while plains are open to invasion by cold winds in winter and hot air in summer.
Valleys can trap heavier, colder air streams.
Few countries can match our climatic diversity. But surprisingly, we hold no international weather records. It is always colder, snowier, windier, wetter or hotter some place else. The pleasant maritime climate of the West coast contrasts sharply with the sometimes long, hard winters and hot, dry summers on the Prairies, and in B.C.'s Interior. Ontario's climate is consistent and reliable.