Arctic air breaks decades-old low temperature records in the Maritimes

While relatively short-lived, the blast of Arctic air in the Maritimes was enough to break some long-standing low temperature records for all three Maritime provinces Friday and Saturday.
Long-standing low temperature records were broken in the Maritimes on both Friday and Saturday.
Low temperature records set for a Feb. 3 in the region included:
NEW BRUNSWICK
-
New record: -27.2
Old record: -19.0 (1993)
Grand Manan (since 1962) - Miscou Island (since 1957)
New record: -25.2
Old record: -24.6 (2018)
- Moncton (since 1881)
New record: -28.1
Old record: -27.8 (1917)
- Saint John (since 1871)
New record: -28.7
Old record: -27.3 (2015)
- St. Stephen: (since 1951)
New record: -27.5
Old record: -27.2 (1961)
NOVA SCOTIA
- Brier Island (since 1937)
New record: -21.7
Old record: -20.0 (1938)
- Halifax airport (since 1953)
New record: -25.6
Old record: -24.4 (1971)
- Kentville (since 1898)
New record: -25.3
Old record: -23.9 (1955)
- Port Hawkesbury (since 1960)
New record: -25.5
Old record: -23.3 (1971)
- Yarmouth (since 1879)
New record: -21.8
Old record: -18.9 (1885)
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
- East Point (since 1967)
New record: -26.1
Old record: -25.0 (1971)
- Summerside (since 1898)
New record: -26.7
Old record: -24.4 (1931)
Low temperature records set for a Feb. 4 in the region included:
NEW BRUNSWICK
- Fundy (National Park) (since 1950)
New record: -28.7
Old record: -27.2 (1971)
- Grand Manan (since 1962)
New record: -27.1
Old record: -23.0 (1990)
NOVA SCOTIA
- Brier Island (since 1937)
New record: -21.6
Old record: -17.2 (1938)
- Port Hawkesbury (since 1960)
New record: -27.4
Old record: -21.7 (1975)
- Yarmouth (since 1879)
New record: -21.8
Old record: -19.4 (1967)
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
- East Point (since 1967)
New record: -26.9
Old record: -26.1 (1971)
- St. Peters Bay (since 1960)
New record: -26.9
Old record: -23.9 (1961)
In a number of cases, the standing record lows and weather observations go back several decades.
There was also the wind-chill factor. The coldest reported wind chill was at a weather station located at Mechanic Settlement in southern New Brunswick at -50C. A record? Not quite. Previous wind-chill values in the Maritimes include:
- -51 in Charlo, N.B. (Jan. 18, 1982)
- -51 in Amherst, N.S. (Feb. 14, 2003)
- -50 in Charlottetown, P.E.I. (Jan. 18, 1982)
Regardless, it has been very rare for the Maritimes to experience cold to the degree we had it Friday night into Saturday. The Arctic air moderated significantly Sunday into Monday. While some colder air will move back in for Tuesday, there are no signs, so far, that the extreme cold will return over at least the next several days.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Federal budget to include grocery rebate for lower income Canadians: sources
The 2023 federal budget will include a one-time "grocery rebate" for Canadians with lower incomes who may be struggling with the rising cost of food, CTV News has confirmed.

3 children, 3 adults fatally shot at Nashville grade school
A female shooter wielding two 'assault-style' rifles and a pistol killed three students and three adults at a private Christian school in Nashville on Monday, authorities said. The suspect also died after being shot by police.
Sask. judge grants bail for sisters who say they were wrongfully imprisoned for nearly 30 years
A Saskatchewan judge has granted bail to two sisters who have spent nearly 30 years in prison for what they say are wrongful murder convictions.
MP Han Dong threatens legal action against Global over foreign interference report
Han Dong is threatening legal action against Global News and its parent company Corus Entertainment after the media outlet published an allegation the Toronto MP spoke to a Chinese diplomat about delaying the release of two Canadians.
'Sudden and devastating' Calgary house explosion injures 10 people
The Calgary Fire Department says at least 10 people were injured in a 'sudden and devastating' explosion in the city's northeast on Monday that completely destroyed one home.
These 3 items could cost you more starting this April
Whether it's gas, food or booze, consumers can expect to pay more for these goods next month. Two of the biggest changes include the federal carbon tax will increase to $65 per tonne of greenhouse emissions, up from $50, and the federal beverage alcohol duty that will increase by 6.3 per cent, which both come into effect on April 1.
Advocate questions whether Air Canada has 'cultural problem' after issue with teen's wheelchair
Flying over the Grand Canyon was a highlight for the Gellisen family during their trip to Phoenix, but their flight home to Toronto was a much different experience, with several family members forced off of the flight over tensions related to a teen's wheelchair.
'Rigorous' cost management needed as $5B Centre Block renovation proceeds: AG report
Despite delayed decision-making by parliamentarians, Canada's massive renovation of Parliament Hill's Centre Block is being effectively managed so far, according to a new audit. However, 'rigorous' cost management will be needed as the work proceeds, cautions auditor general Karen Hogan.
Quebec girl, 9, dies after snow fort collapses behind residence
A nine-year-old girl has died after a snow fort collapsed in a forest behind a rural Quebec home.