Nova Scotia has had its share of extreme weather this summer. First, two devastating wildfires ignited on the weekend of May 27/28—one in a suburb close to Halifax (the capital) and another in a rural area to the southwest that became the largest wildfire in Nova Scotia’s recorded history (over 23K hectares). Between the two fires, more than 16K people were evacuated and over 200 homes (plus additional structures) were destroyed. Firefighters came from outside Canada to assist with fires here and in Quebec. Despite the initial speed of the suburban fire, there were no human fatalities. My family and I weren’t directly impacted but it was a frightening week and I didn’t relax until it started raining on June 3rd*.
Then on July 21st, I was driving home to the Annapolis Valley from a stay in the tiny house and planned to visit my family in Halifax en route. A thunderstorm with heavy rain had me take an exit off the highway and stop in a parking lot to re-evaluate. Based on texts from my brother and a weather alert for sustained heavy rain, I decided to go directly home (often driving with my four-ways on). That night we had thunderstorms like I’ve never experienced before (and no one I’ve talked to has ever experienced before)—continuous thunder and lightning for hours. The area where I live in the valley fared OK but sections of the province (including nearby communities) experienced historic flash flooding with four fatalities. In some areas, three months of rain (over 200mm / 8 inches) fell in less than 24 hours.
Both the fires and floods have been an eye-opener on just how much this small province relies on local volunteer firefighters along with other first responders and emergency management personnel. I hope many young people will consider joining their local fire departments. It also reminded me to check my emergency plan and make sure both an emergency kit and evacuation go-bag are stocked and ready. Up next: Nova Scotia’s hurricane season.
Like most of the globe, July was Nova Scotia’s hottest month on record. On the 30th, the humidity broke and we’ve had many what I would describe as perfect summer days: mid-20’s C (mid-70’s F) with no humidity. Cooler temps overnight reminded me of the early morning swim lessons my brother and I endured at an unheated outdoor pool in the 1970’s—lining up against the rough cement wall with our class, shivering in a wet swimsuit, waiting for lessons to begin. The teenaged instructors never got out of their heavy track suits.
This is summer #59 for me. Last year, I packed the season with social events and local trips to make up for two quiet pandemic summers. This year, I’m taking the season at a more relaxed, less scheduled pace. Trying to focus on what is important. Sometimes that’s being social and having fun. Sometimes that’s checking things off the to-do list. This summer, I’m aspiring to be equal parts ant and grasshopper.
*The wildfires here weren’t officially considered extinguished until late July.
Related links:
- Raging Fires in Nova Scotia (SOURCE: NASA)
- Extreme rain in Nova Scotia exceeds once-in-a-century event (SOURCE: CTV News)
- July was the warmest month on record for most of the Maritimes (SOURCE: CBC News)
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