Wildfire danger on the rise in Atlantic Canada amid drought
There is little relief in sight for Atlantic Canada with drought conditions continuing and wildfires raging out of control in some locales
Eastern Canada is set to endure a prolonged period of heat and humidity this weekend, lasting well into next week.
That isn't good news for many areas in the region that are seeing wildfires and worsening drought conditions.
A fire ban is in place across parts of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Those caught violating the bans, will face a fine.
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Dry conditions across Atlantic Canada have increased the wildfire danger rating in the region.
From May to August, the average rainfall accumulation for Greenwood, N.S., is 314.5 mm while Halifax, N.S., typically sees 376.7 mm.
So far, however, Greenwood has seen 209.2 mm (in the extreme rating) and Halifax has received 166.8 mm--just 67 per cent and 44 per cent of their average rainfall, respectively.
Saint John, N.B., has only received 65 per cent of its rainfall for those months.
As a result, Nova Scotia is currently under a provincewide fire ban.
Forecast not holding any relief
As we look to the near future, a ridge of high pressure is going to keep things dry across Atlantic Canada. The ridge is building across the region heading into the weekend, helping to keep temperatures soaring up into the high 20s and low 30s in the Maritimes.
Additionally, areas farther away from shorelines in Newfoundland are expected to see the temperature going up to the 30s into this weekend.
Cities near Gander, N.L., will see temperatures reach up to or exceeding the 30s headed into Friday-- a less-than-ideal situation for the active, out-of-control wildfires in that region.
However, rain is expected to show up as we head into next week, along with thunderstorms. Stormy weather can be expected thanks to the muggy conditions and a possible cold front moving across the region. That isn't a good scenario for how dry it currently is across the region.