Clean, cooler air returns to Atlantic Canada as wildfire smoke pushed out
After a day of poor air quality on Tuesday from the wildfire smoke, those in Atlantic Canada will be able to breathe easier Wednesday. A cold front that sparked severe storms in parts of the Maritimes Tuesday will pave the way for a clearing of the smoke and much cooler air in behind it. While some of it may linger in Nova Scotia, the air quality will improve through the day. With the smoke expected to clear, temperatures will drop in behind the front Wednesday. There may also be some showers sticking around in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, but nothing too impactful. A look at what's ahead for Wednesday and the next chance of rain for the Maritimes on Thursday night, below.
WEDNESDAY: SMOKE BEGINS TO CLEAR, LINGERING SHOWERS AS TEMPERATURES DROP
On Tuesday evening, Newfoundland's transportation and infrastructure department announced the closure of the Trans-Canada Highway near the power house bridge because of a washout. Motorists are advised to take a detour.
The smoke from the wildfires will mostly be gone from the Maritimes by Wednesday morning, though Nova Scotia could see some lingering for a part of the day. Temperatures will be on the cool side in Atlantic Canada, having taken a plunge following the passage of the cold front.
Daytime highs will be more reminiscent of fall than summer for some, with values just reachingthe upper teens for a few locales. Most of the region will be into the low 20s, however, but still cooler than seasonal.
As well, there could be some lingering showers in Nova Scotia behind the cold front, possibly hanging around until the afternoon as the system makes its way into Newfoundland. The island can expect to see some showers, as well, during this time.
LOOK AHEAD: LACK OF HEAT THROUGH NEXT WEEK FOR MARITIMES
Cooler than seasonal temperatures will continue across the Maritimes with a lack of heat through the end of next week, but above seasonal temperatures next week for much of Newfoundland. Warmer weather across the region is expected for the second week of August.
A system will track into the Maritimes Thursday night and Friday with widespread rain and gusty winds. The area of low pressure will then move into the Gulf of St. Lawrence Friday night and Saturday, bringing periods of rain for Newfoundland.
The region will get a brief break before the next system tracks across the Sunday night and Monday, but it's not anticipated to have any significant impacts.
Check back for the latest updates on conditions throughout Eastern Canada.