Spring equinox Wednesday; season brings river and fire watches, a solar eclipse
CTV
CTV Atlantic meteorologist Kalin Mitchell shares details on the spring forecast, river and fire watches in place in the Maritimes, and a solar eclipse on the way.
The spring, or vernal, equinox is at 12:06 a.m. ADT Wednesday and marks the astronomical start of the season. The spring equinox occurs when the apparent point at which the sun is directly overhead crosses into the northern hemisphere. That point continues to move northward until the summer solstice, after which it begins to move back southward. Finally, at the fall, or autumnal, equinox that point crosses back into the southern hemisphere.
Environment and Climate Change Canada seasonal forecasts for the period of March through May have a high probability of above normal temperature for the Maritimes. The same forecast calls for near normal amounts of precipitation, except a slightly higher chance of below normal precipitation for mainland Nova Scotia and the Bay of Fundy area of New Brunswick. Sea surface temperatures are forecast to have a higher probability of being above normal around Atlantic coastal Nova Scotia. Sea surface temperatures are forecasted to likely be near normal in the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of St. Lawrence.
As we move into spring, a number of watch programs have begun in the Maritimes.
River Watch 2024 is now active in New Brunswick. The program is designed to keep track of the freshet and any flooding risks due to water and ice movement. While a mild February left New Brunswick with a relatively low snow pack, ice jams will still need to be watched for in the weeks ahead. The latest from River Watch can be found here.
The provincial fire watch and restriction programs for both the province of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island started on March 15. The fire restriction program in New Brunswick doesn’t begin until the third Monday of April. Before having an outdoor fire, provincial restrictions should be checked. Those can be found at:
Before burning or having an outdoor fire, municipal or county restrictions or bylaws should also be checked.
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