Chance of white Christmas less likely in Maritimes as December temperatures rise
December has warmed more than any other month in Nova Scotia
We can all see and feel that the climate is changing here in the Maritimes.
But some months are changing more dramatically than others.
When looking over the newly released 30-year climate normals from 1991 to 2020, and comparing those temperatures to previous decades, we see that every month has warmed somewhat.
However, it's the months of September through February which have, on average, warmed the most significantly across Nova Scotia.
Of those fall and winter months, it's December that really stands out in terms of warming, with average daily mean temperatures jumping by a degree or more over the past few decades.
The warming December temperatures have also led to dwindling chances for a white Christmas over the past couple of decades.
While a white Christmas can still occur, they are becoming the exception to the rule thanks to climate change.
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, here in the Maritimes the chances of a white Christmas have dropped 32 per cent when compared to the 1960 to 1984 time period.
And yet another rain and wind storm will bring more mild temperatures to Nova Scotia early next week, dropping our chances for a white Christmas even lower this year.
At this point, snow lovers will need to make a wish to Santa for a last minute shot of snow, in the few days just before Christmas.