The weather in the Maritime provinces often experiences significant fluctuations, and the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is no exception. Over the next day, residents can anticipate a notable change in temperatures and varying weather conditions.
On Thursday morning, temperatures at Halifax Stanfield International Airport dropped to a chilling -17°C. With the wind chill factor taken into account, the temperature felt even more frigid, plummeting into the -20°C range. Such extreme cold can pose challenges for residents as they navigate their daily routines.
95.7 Weather Specialist Allister Aalders has provided insights on the rapidly changing temperatures expected throughout Thursday in HRM. By the afternoon, temperatures are projected to rise to -2°C, signaling a significant shift from the morning’s frostbite conditions. This warming trend is set to continue into the evening.
Aalders notes the forecast for the later hours of Thursday, stating, “-2 this afternoon but rising to +3 later tonight.” As the temperatures rise, snow is expected to develop early this evening, with accumulations estimated to be between 5 to 7 centimeters. Residents should prepare for this snowfall, especially as it will lead to mixed precipitation during the overnight hours.
The latter portion of the night will see a transition from snow to a mixture of rain and possibly freezing rain, contributing an additional 1 to 5 millimeters of rainfall. This change could complicate conditions for those traveling or commuting through HRM. It’s crucial for local residents to remain cautious and stay updated on weather alerts as the system moves through.
Looking ahead to Friday, Aalders anticipates temperatures to reach 4°C, marking a remarkable 21-degree swing from the chilly start the previous morning. Such drastic shifts in temperature are typical for this time of year in the Maritimes and underscore the unpredictable nature of the region’s weather patterns.
Overall, the evolving weather scenario serves as a reminder of the Maritimes' complex climate dynamics. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about weather forecasts and to take necessary precautions during these rapid weather changes. As the temperature changes from frigid conditions to a much milder outlook, those in HRM will experience firsthand the roller coaster of winter weather the region is known for.
