Multi-Day Heat Wave for the Maritimes Begins Tuesday With Temperatures Exceeding 30°C
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The calendar may still say Spring for a few more days, but we can expect to see our first major heat event of the year lasting for several days this week. A very strong ridge of high pressure has already settled over Ontario and it will spread into the Maritimes on Tuesday, drawing in hot, humid air straight from the Gulf of Mexico and resulting in three days with temperatures soaring to the low 30s across much of the region. When including the humidex, it could feel like the upper 30s and even the low 40s later in the week, which could end up breaking records across the Maritimes.
The heat will start to build in New Brunswick Tuesday morning, with temperatures exceeding 25°C by noon and continuing to rise up to the low 30s across much of the province. Tuesday will be the least humid day in this heat wave and temperatures will feel like closer to 35°C, particularly in the Fredericton area and along the American border. Those along the Fundy Coast can expect much cooler temperatures, with highs closer to 20°C and little to no humidity. There will be a considerable gradient moving northward, with temperatures rising sharply the further you are from the coast. Temperatures across the province will drop to the upper teens and low 20s overnight, offering a bit of relief before the heat ramps back up again on Wednesday.
The heat won’t become too oppressive across Nova Scotia and PEI on Tuesday and Western Nova Scotia is expected to be the warmest region of the two provinces with maximum temperatures in the upper 20s and feeling like the low to mid 30s with the humidity. Across PEI and much of the rest of Nova Scotia, temperatures on Tuesday will top out in the mid 20s, with cooler temperatures expected along the coasts. Unfortunately, Wednesday and Thursday will be several degrees warmer for Nova Scotia and PEI.
During extreme heat, it is crucial to stay safe and take preventive measures to avoid heat-related illnesses. Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid beverages that can dehydrate you, such as alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
Try to stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, usually between 10 AM and 4 PM. If you must be outside, wear lightweight, light-coloured, and loose-fitting clothing and apply sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Additionally, never leave children or pets in a parked car, as temperatures can quickly become dangerously high. Check on elderly neighbours and family members, as they are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
Utilize air conditioning if possible, or visit public places like shopping malls, libraries, or community centres to stay cool. Be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, such as dizziness, nausea, headache, and confusion.
Call 911 immediately if you believe you or someone around you is experiencing heat stroke.
