Halifax Experiencing Unseasonably Warm Summer
Meteorologists report record-breaking temperatures for July, raising concerns about heat vulnerability among seniors.
June 22, 2025 at 22:58 | By Benjamin Roy, Prairie Signal
Halifax is experiencing one of its hottest summers on record, with temperatures consistently topping 30°C and humidity pushing the heat index even higher. Environment Canada has issued a series of heat warnings throughout July, prompting concerns about health impacts, especially for vulnerable populations.
Data from the Halifax Stanfield International Airport weather station shows that the city recorded more than 14 days above 30°C last month, well above the historical average of just five. Nighttime temperatures have also remained elevated, reducing recovery time for those without air conditioning.
Public health officials are urging residents to stay hydrated, seek shade, and check on elderly neighbours. Cooling centres have been opened at community centres across the municipality, offering air-conditioned spaces, free water, and extended hours during heat advisories.
Dr. Karen Lin of the QEII Health Sciences Centre noted a noticeable uptick in heat-related hospital visits. 'We’re seeing more cases of heat exhaustion and dehydration, particularly among seniors, outdoor workers, and children engaged in sports programs,' she said.
The city’s homeless population has been especially affected. Advocacy groups like Shelter Nova Scotia have stepped up efforts to distribute water, sunblock, and lightweight clothing. Temporary overnight shelters have also relaxed entry requirements during peak heat periods.
Urban planners say the heatwave has exposed gaps in Halifax’s green infrastructure. Tree canopy coverage in densely populated neighborhoods remains limited, and surfaces like asphalt playgrounds and concrete parking lots are intensifying the urban heat island effect.
Some residents are taking matters into their own hands. Pop-up shade tents, misting fans, and neighborhood water stations have become common sights in parks and along bike paths. Volunteers in Clayton Park even organized a “cool route” map to guide pedestrians to shaded walking areas.
City Council is considering a series of heat mitigation strategies, including planting thousands of new trees and revising building codes to require reflective roofing materials. A heat emergency action plan, modeled after Toronto’s, is currently in development.
Meteorologists attribute the warm spell to a persistent high-pressure system over the Atlantic, combined with warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures. While not unprecedented, the current conditions are among the most prolonged since records began in the 1870s.
The Halifax Water utility has reassured the public that reservoirs remain at healthy levels, although it encourages responsible use of water for non-essential activities such as lawn irrigation and car washing during peak demand hours.
Climate scientists warn that summers like this may become more common. 'This is part of a broader trend,' said Dr. Aiden March from Dalhousie University’s Climate Lab. 'We need to treat these events not as anomalies, but as signs of what’s ahead.'