03/03/2026
One of the fun things about owning a professional level weather station is that I can create all kinds of data charts that show trends in the weather and climate.
Last year, the southwestern part of Nova Scotia experienced a severe (as in one in 50 years according to Environment Canada) drought. Here in Port Maitland, we experienced the driest four-month period (June through September) in my records, and the driest three-month period ever according again to EC.
This winter, then, brings some hope that the pattern that has given us very dry conditions in three of the last four years may end this summer. This is because what the last 4 or 5 winters have had in common is a lack of snow. This year we are right smack on the average for snowfall, from December to the end of February, Port Maitland (like most of Yarmouth County) has seen 152 centimetres, compared with the 30-year average of 153.8 centimetres. This snow pack is good news, as melting snow, particularly if it melts slowly over a number of days, is very good for the water table.
The trout will be happy if that happens as it is right now that they begin to be active, and right now the young will begin to hatch, and more, colder water is just what is needed. Long term, we’ll see the continuing problems of invasive species and of a return of acid rain due to the impact of actions taken to our south, but for this coming season anyway – things are looking better than the last handful of years.
