Environment Canada has issued a Yellow Heat Warning for Lunenburg County, including Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, marking the first time such an alert has been declared in the province this year. Temperatures are expected to reach 30 degrees Celsius inland through Wednesday, with overnight lows hovering near 16 degrees Celsius.
This heat event is considered highly unusual for May, as average daytime temperatures for this time of year typically fall in the mid-to-high teens. The warning, which is in effect until late Wednesday, covers Annapolis, Kings, Lunenburg, and Queens counties. While coastal areas will remain noticeably cooler, inland communities like Bridgewater are expected to experience the full impact of the high temperatures.
To ensure public safety during the heat wave, the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness advises residents to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the peak afternoon heat. Officials are also urging residents to check on older adults and vulnerable neighbors, whether in person or by phone, several times throughout the day. Residents are reminded to never leave people or pets inside parked vehicles.
Bridgewater is particularly attentive to these conditions, as its inland location often leads to warmer summer weather than coastal regions. The town has developed a Municipal Climate Change Action Plan to manage such risks, and residents can monitor ongoing weather alerts through the town’s Storm Centre, which provides direct links to the Lunenburg County Regional Emergency Management Organization.
