Last week’s heat wave smashed several temperature records across the Maritimes.
Meteorologist Ian Hubbard says hot, humid air pushed into the region from the west and southwest, bringing record-breaking temperatures to parts of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
In Nova Scotia, Kentville set back-to-back daily records.
It reached 32.6 degrees on Thursday, beating the old record of 30.7.
Kentville then hit 32.7 on Friday.
Halifax Stanfield also set a new record Friday, reaching 32.8 degrees.
Hubbard says that was 2.2 degrees warmer than the previous record.
New Brunswick also saw records fall.
St. Stephen reached 34.7 degrees on Thursday, while Moncton hit 32.5.
Saint John set a new Friday record at 33.6, while Moncton also set another record at 33.3.
Hubbard says the heat was not limited to the Maritimes.
“This heat wave definitely started further west and slowly made its way across the country,” he said.
He says that pattern is fairly typical, with warm air pushing in from the west or southwest and reaching other regions before arriving in Atlantic Canada.
Hubbard says the same air mass had been affecting areas along the eastern seaboard of the United States and around the Great Lakes before it made its way into the Maritimes.
The heat also came with heavy humidity.
“When the temperature rises and becomes a lot warmer, that actually allows that air to absorb more water,” Hubbard said.
He says moisture from the Atlantic Ocean and land can add to the humidity, making the air feel heavier.
The heat eased over the weekend as the airflow changed and cooler, drier air moved into the region.
Hubbard says this week is still expected to be sunny and warm across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, with little rain in the forecast.
Temperatures are expected to stay in the high 20s for many areas, while parts of New Brunswick could reach the low 30s later this week.
Hubbard says it does not look quite as hot as last week, but forecasters will continue watching the next warm stretch.
