Fluctuating temperatures lead to potholes, warnings on frozen waters

The Maritimes have seen fluctuating temperatures in the last few days.

Checking the temperature in the Maritimes this week has been similar to riding a see-saw at the park. It has gone up and down, then down and back up.

In Saint John, N.B., the temperatures reached a high of five degree Celsius according to Environment Canada. A mere 24 hours later, that same thermometer was reading -7 in the Port City.

The temperatures look as if they will fluctuate in the days ahead too, potentially hitting double digits next week and the possibility of rain this weekend after a chilly Friday.

“This freeze thaw is something that we typically get into once we start making our way into the start of spring,” says CTV Atlantic Chief Meteorologist Kalin Mitchell. “The spring season is when we start to see more swings between milder air moving up from the south and that lingering, colder air that breaks down to the north during the wintertime.

Mitchell says he expects the temperature “roller coaster” will continue into March.

The rising and falling of temperatures bring various issues with it. For Musquash Fire Chief Wayne Pollock, he is focused on spreading the message of ice water safety as the frozen waterways begin to soften.

“It’s getting to the time that you definitely need to be wary,” says Chief Pollock, who points out his department has not had to perform any ice water rescues so far this year.“

You got to be careful on that, and we try to impress upon people to test the ice before you go on it, especially this time of year.”

The Chief advises anyone travelling on the ice should watch for signs of unsafe ice, and wear protective clothing like a float suit in case they happen to fall through the ice.

He also says many people in the area who walk on the ice use or have ice picks handy, but it’s equally important to know how to use them.

“If you don’t have the technique on it, you know, you can try to get yourself up, off, or out of the hole and onto the ice but you need to know how to use those ice picks and maneuver appropriately,” says Pollock.

Not only have the fluctuating temperatures lead to an increased level of caution on the frozen waters, it has also increased the amount of potholes popping up around the Port City.

Tim O’Reilly, public works director for the City of Saint John, says the municipality has already repaired around 750 potholes in 2026.

“We are working our hardest at this time of year between snowstorms to fix potholes,” says O’Reilly. “But definitely once the first plant opens up with some fresh hot mix asphalt, we’ll be going at it very rigorously.”

O’Reilly says residents can contact the city to report a pothole.

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