Rain totals and smoky days ahead

A drenching for some but barely a few drops for others, here is how the rain broke down across the Maritimes Monday into Tuesday morning.

A weather front brought a drenching rain to parts of Nova Scotia on Monday but ended up being showery for the remainder of the Maritimes.

A westerly wind will bring near surface smoke from the Long Lake fire into the Annapolis Valley and Halifax County over the next few days. Air quality alerts have been issued by Environment Canada.

Rain reports

The rain from the Monday weather system intensified as it moved the area of Nova Scotia beginning near Halifax and extending eastward into Cape Breton.

The presence of localized downpours lead to highly varied rain reports even within small geographic areas. Reports of downpour from the Halifax area are between 52- and 70-mm, reports from the Sheet Harbour area between 33- and 83-mm and one report of 99 mm from Lake Charlotte, N.S.

Much of the rest of the Maritimes received much lower totals of a few to several millimetres in showers. That likely includes the Long Lake fire area in Annapolis County, N.S.

Wildfire smoke movement

The Long Lake wildfire continues to produce quite a bit of near surface smoke. An Air Quality Warning continues for Annapolis County with Air Quality Statements issued for Kings County, Hants County, Lunenburg County, and western Halifax County.

The fine particulate matter that comprises wildfire smoke can lead to eye, nose and throat irritation. Those with pre-existing respiratory issues can find those aggravated by the smoke as well. Should you experience symptoms in smoky conditions limit time outdoors and consider turning off household air exchange systems unless they are fitted with a good air filter. Changing or cleaning filters in household air exchange systems frequently during smoky conditions may also help.

Smoke is expected to move most directly into Kings and Hants counties on Tuesday. More smoke will be directed into Lunenburg and Halifax counties on Wednesday. A faint smell of the smoke may be present in areas even where it is not being directly moved into by the prevailing winds.

Next chance of rain

The next more widespread chance of showers for the Maritimes comes Saturday into Sunday.

A weak low-pressure system and associated weather front is expected to move into the region during that time. Most long-range guidance for that wet weather has it as showery conditions Saturday and Sunday. Not much sign yet that it could pull moisture off the Atlantic and turn into a heavier rain like the Monday weather for parts of Nova Scotia.