Nova Scotia Faces Bitter Cold and Looming Monday Snowstorm
Nova Scotia is bracing for extreme cold this weekend, with temperatures expected to plunge into the minus double digits. Wind chill values may feel as low as -30°C.
Bitter Cold Conditions Ahead
A cold front moving into the province late Friday will bring scattered flurries and light snow accumulation of up to two centimeters. Following this front, northwest winds are forecast to strengthen, gusting up to 60 km/h in Cape Breton and 50 km/h on the mainland.
Temperature Forecast
On Saturday morning, temperatures will drop to between -10°C and -15°C. The situation will worsen as Arctic air settles in, pushing temperatures even lower by the afternoon. Wind chill values are expected to remain in the -20°C to -30°C range throughout the day.
Cold Warnings Issued
Environment Canada has issued yellow alert warnings for several counties:
- Cumberland
- Northern Colchester
- Pictou
- Antigonish
Residents in these areas should be prepared for wind chills that could approach -30°C from Saturday morning until Sunday morning.
Upcoming Snowstorm
On Saturday, the mainland will experience a mix of sun and clouds, with a slight chance of flurries. Meanwhile, Cape Breton is projected to remain mostly cloudy with onshore flurries, especially across the Cape Breton Highlands, where snow totals may reach 5 to 10 centimeters by Saturday evening.
A chance of flurries will persist into Saturday night for the mainland, extending into Sunday for Cape Breton, with an additional 5 to 10 centimeters of snow possible over the Highlands.
Sunday Outlook
By Sunday, wind gusts over the mainland will subside slightly, but the temperature will remain frigid, fluctuating between -10°C and -14°C. In the morning, wind chills are expected to be between -20°C and -30°C, which will improve to -15°C to -20°C in the afternoon.
In Cape Breton, winds will continue with gusts near 50 km/h, maintaining wind chill values around -23°C.
Forecast for the Following Week
A significant winter storm is anticipated to arrive on Sunday night, bringing widespread snowfall through Monday and into Monday night. Early predictions suggest total snowfall could reach or exceed 20 centimeters by Tuesday, accompanied by gusty winds and areas of blowing snow.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local news outlets, including El-Balad, for the latest weather updates as conditions evolve.
