Heat warnings in effect for much of the Maritimes

Large hats and long sleeves are used for sun protection in downtown Fredericton on Wednesday, July 3, 2025. (Sarah Plowman / CTV News)

It’s going to be hot over the next several days in the Maritimes.

Heat warnings have been issued for much of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Environment Canada said an extended period of hot and humid weather is expected Sunday through Wednesday.

The heat warnings were first issued for New Brunswick and P.E.I. Saturday afternoon. Much of Nova Scotia was included by Sunday afternoon.

In New Brunswick, maximum daytime temperatures are forecasted in the range of 30 to 34 C feeling between 38 and 42 with the humidex.

The warning excludes the Bay of Fundy Coast, where temperatures are expected to be cooler.

In Nova Scotia, maximum daytime temperatures will be between 29 and 33 C feeling up to 39 with the humidex. Southwestern areas of the province were not included in the warning as of 4 p.m. Sunday.

On P.E.I., maximum daytime temperatures are forecasted between 29 and 31 C but feeling like 35 to 39 with the humidex. It’s expected to be cooler along parts of the coast.

Minimum overnight temperatures for all three provinces will be around 18 C.

“A very warm and humid air mass will settle over the region for the next couple of days. Little relief is expected at night with elevated overnight temperatures,” reads the warning.

Environment Canada said conditions are expected to begin moderating after Wednesday. The extreme heat comes as the Maritimes has been dealing with very dry conditions, prompting various burn bans and restrictions in all three provinces in an effort to reduce the risk of wildfires.

Wildfire smoke

Shortly before 11 a.m. Saturday, Environment Canada issued a special air quality advisory for the Miramichi area.

It said smoke from nearby wildfires is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility.

“People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should avoid strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms,” said the advisory.

Environment Canada said mild symptoms can include:

• eye, nose and throat irritation
• headaches
• mild cough

More serious but less common symptoms include:

• wheezing
• chest pains
• severe cough

Light and variable winds are expected Saturday and Sunday, and Environment Canada said local smoke concentrations will vary with changing winds.