The combination of heat and humidity resulted in the humidex reaching 40 degrees in most regions across New Brunswick, except for the Fundy Coast.
In turn, some outdoor work was deemed too risky.
Griffin Higgins is a guard in Fredericton’s Officer’s Square. He says his suit adds extra heat, making it unsafe to stand in the already hot weather.
“This tunic is very warm, it's lined with horse hair and wool,” Higgins said. “It raises the temperature by seven degrees, so if we were out on a battlefield fighting in 30 degree weather, it’d feel like it was 37 degrees."
The unrelenting 32 degree heat forced construction projects to adjust. In Halifax, contractor Howie Conrad says the heat puts everything behind because the asphalt takes too long to cool.
“If we even stand with our boots on the asphalt and with the humidity so high, what happens is it'll even melt the soles off your boots," he said.
Across the Maritimes, air conditioners worked to cool homes and work places.
Despite the increased use, NB Power said it sees little change in the average demand at this time of the year.
Even without a jump in weather-related demand, first responders urge people to adjust their routines to account for the heat.
"People who have got chronic illnesses or the very young or the very old can be affected by the heat and actually suffer life-threatening conditions if they don't change what they normally do," said Richard Cummings, deputy chief of the Oromocto Fire Department.
While parts of the region sweltered, others were only warm. Water and temperatures combined to make Saint John and Peggys Cove, N.S. only warmer than normal.
Heat warnings were enough to keep mostusers off Fredericton’s vast trail network.
Public and private pools, however, were popular places.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Andy Campbell.
