Ryan Snoddon

We can all see and feel that the climate is changing here in the Maritimes.&nbsp;

But&nbsp;some months are changing more dramatically than others.&nbsp;

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.

Graphic of Nova Scotia showing rising temperatures over time

Average daily mean temperatures for December have  jumped by a degree or more over the past few decades.

Temperature map graphic

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.

Map showing chances of a white Christmas in the Maritimes.

In the Maritimes the chances of a white Christmas have dropped 32 percent when compared to the 1960 to 1984 time period. 

Map graphic of chances of a white CHristmas

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.

A colour graphic of temperature trends over time.

Map of temperature trends for December 1940-1922

One year after its announcement, a design plan for the QEII is still MIA

Last December, the Nova Scotia government announced it was embarking on an ambitious health-care infrastructure plan. This December, not much has materialized.

N.S. poised to change guidance for teachers on supporting gender-diverse students

Documents obtained by CBC News show the province is updating guidelines meant to protect gender–diverse students from discrimination. But after a year of work, the project appears stalled.

A person wearing a brightly-patterned shirt sits on a couch, leaning on the armrest.

Koma White, a 17-year-old student at Citadel High School in Halifax, and president of the school's gay-straight alliance, pictured in Halifax's north end on Dec. 9, 2023.

Koma White

Koma White, a 17-year-old student at Citadel High School in Halifax, is president of the school's gay-straight alliance.

Family turns to public for help after Cape Breton man's mysterious disappearance

RCMP issued news releases and conducted an extensive search for Derek Kruger after his car was found on a logging road east of Truro, N.S., but more than two months after his disappearance, the family and police need some new clues.

Derek Kruger missing

How much does a turkey dinner cost this year? Depends on where you live

As food prices continue to skyrocket, the CBC's Angela MacIvor examines the cost of a traditional turkey dinner this year in the rural community of Parrsboro, N.S. She compares the price difference in Halifax, where multiple stores in one neighbourhood have flyer deals. But is it really worth it to shop around?

Halifax asks whether controversial traffic-calming islands in Cole Harbour are working

Halifax will look at a series of traffic-calming islands in Cole Harbour, after residents and the area councillor argued they are ineffective and dangerous.

A concrete circle sits in the black ashphalt roadway with homes on either side

One of the traffic islands on Colby Drive in Cole Harbour

traffic islands colby drive

One of the traffic islands on Colby Drive in Cole Harbour, N.S.

A star ornament hangs on a tree in Halifax's Frog Pond Trail on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Yet another rain and wind storm in Nova Scotia early next week will bring more mild temperatures, dropping our chances for a white Christmas even lower.

Chance of white Christmas less likely in Maritimes as December temperatures rise

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