Another weather system that combines spring and winter conditions – “sprinter,” if you will – is coming to the Maritimes. Halifax and Cape Breton look to have the best chance of picking up several centimetres of snow.
Timing of the rain and snow
Light rain will develop across western areas of Nova Scotia early Wednesday evening. By near 9 p.m., the rain will begin to mix with or turn to wet snow as temperatures fall. By midnight snow will be falling across much of Nova Scotia. It will be mixed with rain for coastal areas.
A lighter mix of snow and rain is also expected in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island Wednesday night.
The period of most inclement weather for the Maritimes generally looks like it will be between midnight and 8 a.m. Thursday.
Thursday morning starts with snow falling across eastern New Brunswick, northern/eastern Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Thursday afternoon will have a scattered mix of flurries and showers around the region.
Snow amounts
Spring snow amounts are always tricky. While it is expected to be cold enough Wednesday night for snow to fall and accumulate, there will be some partial melting of the snow and compaction. Much of Nova Scotia, Halifax and east could pick up a five-to-15 cm snowfall.
The area most likely to reach 10-to-15 cm includes the interior of Guysborough County, Antigonish County, the Bras d’Or Lakes area and higher elevations of Victoria County in Cape Breton. Watch for snow or slush covered surfaces to develop through the night and be present for Thursday morning.
Southern New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island picking up snow amounts of one-to-five centimetres Wednesday night. Eastern New Brunswick, northern/eastern Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island could pick up another one-to-five centimetres of snow through the day Thursday.
Snowfall warnings were issued by Environment Canada at 4 p.m. on Wednesday for Cape Breton, Guysborough, Antigonish, and Pictou Counties. The warning calls for 10-to-20 cm of snow falling late Wednesday evening through midday Thursday. The weather agency also cautioned the public to be prepared to adjust driving in changing road conditions.
More snow, ice Sunday night and Monday
Long range guidance continues to indicate a slow-moving warm front will enter the Maritimes Sunday night and linger into Monday.
The system would bring a mix of snow, freezing rain, and rain to the region. Northern and central areas of New Brunswick are at greatest risk of an extended period of snowy, icy weather.
The system is projected to be strong enough and slow moving enough that heavy rain is possible for areas parts of southern New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
