Timely weekend rain should help with fires in the Maritimes

CTV meteorologist Kalin Mitchell has the latest on a soggy weather system lined up for the weekend, including how much rain to expect across the Maritimes.

On Friday, the fire danger rating for much of the Maritimes ranged from high to extreme with low humidity and a gusty wind as the detrimental factors.

There is only a low chance of a few pop-up showers in the region Friday and shouldn’t be counted on to occur in the vicinity of any ongoing fires or become widespread enough to produce a useful rain.

The situation will change on the weekend as a large weather system arrives Saturday night into Sunday. The system is an area of low pressure moving in from the Great Lakes. It will produce a period of rain, drizzle and fog for the Maritimes beginning Saturday night and extending into Sunday morning.

By Sunday afternoon the bulk of the rain will move east of the region, though some patchy showers may linger into Sunday evening.

Current forecast guidance suggests a helpful 10-to-30 mm of rain generally for the region. Some pockets or highly localized totals could approach 40 mm. The forecast from Natural Resources Canada for fire danger will return to low-to-moderate levels on Sunday.

The rain will also provide a nice summer boost for lawns, gardens and agriculture.

July rain so far

It’s not like the region hasn’t had any rain this month.

In fact, some specific communities and areas have picked up a decent amount. Most of that, however, has come in the form of downpours and thunderstorms.

The issue with that type of rain is that it is generally short-lived and very hit-and-miss within a larger geographic area. It tends to run off quickly and not provide the benefits of a longer soak.

A more widespread rainfall, like what is expected Saturday night into Sunday, tends to have increased benefits.

Smoky sky returns Saturday

Before the rain moves in Saturday night, wildfire smoke from Ontario should be expected in the Maritimes.

A high haze of smoke will develop over the Maritimes during Saturday. This time there is indication some of the smoke could reach lower to the ground. You will likely be able to smell it and it could possibly impact air quality in the region.

Those who are sensitive to wildfire smoke or with pre-existing respiratory conditions should carefully monitor the air quality forecast for Saturday

Tips on dealing with reduced air quality can be found here.

The rain on Saturday night and Sunday will help to clear the smoke out of the air.