A heat warning is in effect for Amherst, Nova Scotia, as hot and humid air settles over the region, bringing daytime highs of 30 to 33 degrees Celsius with Humidex values up to 38 through Friday. The warning, issued jointly by Environment Canada and the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness, was updated on August 5, 2026, and covers Cumberland County North and the Cobequid Pass, including Amherst.
Overnight lows will hover near 18 degrees Celsius, offering little relief from the heat. Residents are urged to drink plenty of water, stay in cool spaces, and check on neighbours who may be more vulnerable, such as older adults.
With roughly a quarter of Cumberland County’s population aged 65 and older, local health services are a key resource during extreme heat. The Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre in Amherst provides 24-hour emergency care for anyone needing medical attention.
Environment Canada suggests people without air conditioning spend time in public spaces like community centres, libraries, or shaded parks. The hot spell may linger into the weekend in some areas, though conditions are expected to improve for parts of the mainland.
Extreme heat events are projected to grow more frequent in Nova Scotia. According to the province’s climate projections, the average annual temperature could rise by 2.6 degrees Celsius by mid-century, making hot, uncomfortable days and nights more common.
