Atlantic
and Fundy waters are relatively cold (8-12C), and they help to keep the
air temperature over southwestern Nova Scotia on the cool side in
spring and summer. In January, when their temperature is between 0 and
4C, these same waters moderate the harshness of winter. Mahone Bay indicated by orange crircle.
The
southwest coast around Cape Sable is frost free for over half the year,
longer than any other place in Atlantic Canada and comparable to
localities along the shores of Lake Erie. Most agricultural areas are without frost for 120 to 130 days
Winter
temperatures are moderate along the coast. Yarmouth's average January
temperature of -2.7C is the highest of any mainland station in the
Maritimes. Inland, January means are between -4 and -6C
On
average, only about 15% of Nova Scotia's total annual precipitation
originates as snow. An exception is northern Cape Breton Island, where
the snow fraction is closer to 30%. Snowfall is relatively light near
the warm Atlantic shor ,
where less than 150 cm may fall in one winter. Here, copious rain and
freezing rain make up for the scanty snowfalls. |
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Farther
offshore to the east, southeast, and south are comparatively warm 16C
waters of the Gulf Stream. Its warmth, especially from August through
October, is credited with prolonging fall - the season many Nova
Scotians consider to be the best of the year. Mahone Bay indicated by orange crircle.
Summers
are relatively cool in Nova Scotia. Afternoon summer temperatures reach
25C in the interior, but along the coast are frequently 4 to 6C cooler.
At night the ocean remains a cooling source, keeping minimum
temperatures along the coast about 2 to 3C below those inland.
Halifax's July mean of 1 7.4C and Yarmouth's 16.3C compare closely with
Vancouver's 17.3C but are somewhat cooler than Toronto's 20.6C.
Precipitation
is slightly greater in the late fall and early winter because of the
more frequent and intense storm activity. In most years there is a good
supply of rain during the growing period. However, drought is not
unknown in Nova Scotia. A prolonged warm, dry, and sunny spring in 1986
contributed to the worst forest fire outbreak in the province's
history.
Source: Enviroment Canada |
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