Frost advisory issued in northern New Brunswick, cooler week ahead for the Maritimes

Chief meteorologist Kalin Mitchell shares the Maritime weather forecast for May 20.

The first frost advisories of the season have been issued in the Maritimes. The week ahead looks like it will cool off after a record-breaking warm temperatures last week.

Frost Advisories

A cloudy evening will turn to clear skies overnight. That could cause temperatures in northwestern corner of New Brunswick to fall close to 2 C. There is a risk frost will develop.

Madawaska, Victoria, and the western part of Restigouche counties are under a frost advisory issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada. The agency recommends taking measures to protect frost-sensitive plants and trees as much as possible.

The current advisory only covers the risk for Tuesday but similar conditions look likely for the region Wednesday night. Overnight temperatures are expected to rise Thursday.

A frosty night at this time of year for that part of the Maritimes isn’t uncommon. The average date for the last frost of the season in northwestern New Brunswick extends into early June.

Week ahead

As a slow-moving low-pressure system moves into position southeast of the Maritimes Wednesday, a cool northerly wind will blow through the region.

Cloud cover is expected to increase north-to-south across the Maritimes tomorrow. Most high temperatures will top out in the high, single digits and low teens. Scattered sunny breaks are expected and areas in the west of the region that catch sunny breaks in the afternoon could have highs that approach the mid teens.

A clear sky with chilly conditions is expected Wednesday night into Thursday morning. A mix of sun and cloud on Thursday will bring higher temperatures in the low-to-mid teens.

May rain and showers

A low-pressure system moving up the eastern seaboard of the U.S. is expected to arrive in the Maritimes Friday, bringing cloudy conditions along with rain and showers.

An area of high pressure over the north Atlantic is expected to stall the low-pressure system near the Maritimes making periodic showers likely Saturday and Sunday.

The low-pressure does appear to be moving on by Monday with a high-pressure system developing behind it. That pattern would favour a return to sunnier and warmer weather through the start of next week.

Rain in May helps maintain rivers, lawns, gardens, well water levels and reduces wildfire risks ahead of the dry, hot summer months.