Climate and Weather
In Truro and Colchester County, weather varies greatly depending on the season.
The following shows you what to expect:
Weather is highly changeable in Nova Scotia. It can be sunny and warm with an icy breeze. Or you can wake up to 2°C and clear skies but by afternoon it will be cloudy and 20°C. That’s why we recommend dressing in layers all year round.
On a hot summer day, you may still need a sweater in the evening. Even our winter days can get surprisingly warm. If you are active outdoors in winter, it’s best to dress in 3 layers. See What to Wear When it’s Cold or Wet in this guide.
Getting through the Winter
Temperatures in winter range from -13°C to 3°C. It can get colder or warmer. We often have snow and rain on the same day. We also get violent winter storms called Nor’easters. These bring high winds, heavy rains, or heavy snow. Be prepared for the weather by checking it often. Environment Canada has an app you can install on your phone. It sends you alerts when severe weather is forecast.
What to Wear When it’s Cold or Wet
Dress in 3 layers:
- a base layer that keeps you dry. The best is a close-fitting undershirt. Avoid cotton.
- a middle layer that keeps you warm. This traps your body heat and insulates you from the cold.
- an outer layer that protects you from wind, snow, and rain. Choose something that will keep your inner layers dry.
Cover your head and exposed areas like your ears, nose, cheeks, and fingers. Wear these:
- a close-fitting knit hat that covers your ears
- gloves or mittens
- a scarf that you can use to cover your face
Change into dry clothes as quickly as possible if you get wet in the cold
Because our winter temperatures often hover around 0°C, our sidewalks and walking paths can be icy. If you plan to spend time walking outdoors, a good pair of ice grips will save you from slips and falls. You can find these in most outdoor stores.
Don’t let the cold weather stop you from going outside and having fun. See the table at the beginning of this section for ideas on how to keep active in winter. You can find out more by visiting the recreation centres listed in Section 18, Sports and Recreation in this guide.
Winter Cancellations
Winter storms can lead schools and some employers to delay opening or close for the day. Recreational activities may also be cancelled.
The following are some good sources for finding out if your school, work, or activity has been cancelled: