There has been a stretch of unseasonably warm May days for the Maritimes going back to the long weekend, and the peak of the heat is expected on Tuesday and Wednesday. Daily high temperature records could be challenged for some communities on both days. Heat warnings The first heat warnings of the year were issued for parts of Nova Scotia on Tuesday. Even hotter temperatures are forecast for Wednesday. All three Maritime provinces will have a chance at setting some new record highs for May 20th. Temperatures will be more moderate in a few areas. The daytime highs are expected to be more moderate near the Bay of Fundy coastline of New Brunswick, Atlantic coastline of Nova Scotia and Cape Breton, and on the coastline of Prince Edward Island. What brought on the hot weather? The combination of a ridge of very warm air building northward out of the U.S. and spring sunshine is allowing for temperatures in the region to soar. Change will come Wednesday night into Thursday. The ridge breaks down and shifts east over the Atlantic. A cold front will move through and allow for a cooler air to move from Hudson Bay, across Quebec, and into the Maritimes. Daytime temperatures will return to a more seasonable range of the low-to-mid teens for both Thursday and Friday. While the end of the heat is in sight, it is early in the season to get days as hot as this. Make sure to stay hydrated and take breaks as needed if working or playing in the hot spring weather. Check in on those who may be more vulnerable in the heat. No person or pets should be left in a hot vehicle for any period. Not much rain this week A round of light rain and showers crossing northern New Brunswick on Tuesday may bring pockets of five-to-10 mm for that part of the region. Other areas of the Maritimes will be lucky to pick up a few millimetres in showers Tuesday evening and night. While a cold front does move through Wednesday evening, it isn’t expected to bring much more than a chance of showers with it. After that, high pressure, and dry weather as a result, is expected for the end of the week and weekend. It doesn’t take long for things to dry out this time of the year. Be sure to check in and adhere to any provincial and municipal burn restrictions and bylaws.
