A significant weather transition is sweeping across Canada's Maritime provinces, bringing a dramatic shift from winter precipitation to biting cold temperatures that will grip the region through the weekend.
Precipitation Pattern Breakdown
The system that brought mixed precipitation across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island is finally clearing eastward. Residents experienced everything from heavy snow in northern areas to rain and ice pellets along coastal regions, creating challenging travel conditions throughout Thursday.
Environment Canada meteorologists note that the precipitation shield is gradually moving offshore, but the aftermath will bring more concerning weather developments.
Temperature Tumble Expected
The real story begins once the clouds part. A sharp cold front trailing the system will usher in significantly colder air, with temperatures expected to plummet below seasonal norms.
Daytime highs on Friday will struggle to reach positive territory in many areas, while overnight lows could dip into the double digits below zero. The combination of clearing skies and fresh snow cover will create ideal conditions for rapid cooling.
Weekend Outlook: Bitter and Bright
Saturday and Sunday will feature plenty of sunshine but come with a harsh trade-off. Daytime temperatures will remain well below freezing, while wind chill values will make conditions feel even colder.
"The weekend will be sunny but certainly not mild," says CTV Atlantic meteorologist Jesse Ritcey. "This is a return to proper winter conditions after the brief moderation we saw earlier in the week."
Regional Impacts and Safety Considerations
- Northern New Brunswick: Heaviest snow accumulations with 15-25 cm possible
- Southern Nova Scotia: Primarily rain with risk of freezing rain during transition
- Prince Edward Island: Mixed precipitation changing to snow
- Coastal Areas: Risk of slippery conditions due to flash freezing
Motorists are advised to exercise caution as rapidly falling temperatures could create black ice conditions on roads and highways. Residents should also prepare for the cold snap by ensuring proper home insulation and checking on vulnerable neighbors.
The cold pattern is expected to persist into early next week, with moderating temperatures potentially returning by mid-week according to long-range forecasts.
