Wintry 'mess' on the way for Nova Scotia starting Tuesday
Around 10-25 centimetres of snow expected, but rain might complicate matters
If you've been luxuriating in clear skies and above-zero temperatures over the last few days, brace for some wet weather in much of Nova Scotia beginning on Tuesday.
According to CBC meteorologist Tina Simpkin, the messy weather will begin on Tuesday afternoon, starting with rain in some areas near the coast, before turning to snow.
Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for most of Cape Breton and Guysborough County, where some parts could see 25 centimetres or more. There is also a Les Suêtes wind warning for Inverness County-Mabou and north, with maximum wind gusts up to 120 km/h.
The national forecaster also issued a special weather statement for the rest of the province.
Simpkin said that in most of Nova Scotia, excluding Yarmouth and Shelburne counties, anywhere from 10 to 25 or more centimetres of snow is expected, although near-freezing temperatures mean that number is difficult to predict.
"Although the warnings are out for the western Maritimes, I do think by Thursday the total snowfall will be within warning criteria," Simpkin said.
She said snowfall totals could decrease depending on how much warm air gets into the mix.
As temperatures drop overnight, the snow will continue to build, with possible exceptions along the coast. Temperatures there will be near freezing and rain may continue, she said.
Some areas near the coast may also experience freezing rain and ice pellets.
"It's going to be a mess tomorrow night into Wednesday," said Simpkin in an interview with Information Morning Nova Scotia.
The rain and snow will let up on Wednesday, but some areas like the Cape Breton Highlands and the Acadian Peninsula could see more snow on Thursday.
"We first get the snow/rain in the easterlies as the system approaches. But as the system exits on Wednesday into Thursday, the northwesterly winds kick in bringing cooler air and more snow. It will be light on Wednesday night into Thursday, but it will be persistent," Simpkin said.
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With files from Tina Simpkin