More often than not now, the major topic of conversation around the province is the weather.
This latest heat wave coming in May presents challenges that have far-reaching implications.
Since it’s still late spring and the snow melt from higher regions isn’t done yet, this is one of the absolute worst times for a major hot spell.
That’s exactly what we’re currently finding in many communities impacted by flooding but with a wildfire risk close at hand as well. The two overlapping is beyond concerning, resulting in numerous evacuation alerts or orders.
Since everything obviously flows through the province to the ocean, we’re actually very fortunate here on the island not to be experiencing those same threats. Wildfires are certainly on the radar, but since our rivers on the island aren’t raging from any snow melt the flooding threat is minimal at this time of the year anyway.
You have to feel for all those forced from their homes due to both extremes. The uncertainty today stemming from climate change is alarming.
As you’ll recall, we were actually quite lucky last year that wet weather persisted into June. That kept the wildfire situation well at bay for a longer period, even though we all complained about the lack of sunshine.
The best-case scenario is for a balance of sunny and rainy days to remove both extremes from the equation, but that hasn’t happened in recent years.
It may have seemed like a long time into the year before the sun came out at all, but once it does it’s usually here to stay. There’s been mostly long dry spells lasting well beyond a week the last several years rather than shorter intervals.
It all means keeping your eyes on the skies hoping for a reprieve is going to become the norm.
And it doesn’t seem to matter where you are. Different locations have different problems. Just look at all the tornadoes in certain parts of the United States.
Ever since two heat domes in 2021 and the extreme atmospheric river of November 2021, you just have to expect the unexpected and be better prepared than ever before to deal with our ever-changing conditions at a moment’s notice.
@chemainusnews
don.bodger@chemainusvalleycourier.ca
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