Weather Network’s fall forecast calls for above normal temperatures in Halifax

There's no question Haligonians have been enjoying a beautiful end to summer.

So far, the maximum temperature at the airport has been above 20 degrees every day this month.

Autumn officially arrives next week and the Weather Network's forecast for the season says we can expect the above normal temperatures to continue into October, giving us a “gentle slide” into the winter.

“Fall is always a changeable season … but we've had an extended summer with very warm weather persisting deep into September,” explained Weather Network meteorologist Dr. Doug Gillham. “We think overall that pattern is going to continue, but of course we will have those ups and downs.”

Environment Canada has only registered 0.2 mm of total precipitation this month, which doesn't include today's showers, but Gillham cautions that probably won't last long as fall is the wettest time of year.

He told CityNews Halifax we may see fewer storms than normal overall this season, but the Weather Network still believes the Halifax area will experience an above average amount of precipitation.

“These storms can tap into moisture off the Atlantic Ocean, which is running so much warmer than normal,” he explained. “So these storms will pack a punch when they do come through, and with a bit of a weaker jet stream, they will be a little bit slower moving.”

And that warmer ocean water can also impact hurricane season, helping moisture-laden systems retain their strength. So far, we've been lucky with tropical weather staying away from Nova Scotia, but all it takes is one storm to bump up our totals, and it doesn't even need to be a direct hit.

“We've already seen that with the remnants of Earl.” Gillham stated. “It didn't make landfall in Newfoundland, yet they've had six weeks worth of rainfall in three days, just by being clipped with the slow-moving remnants of that storm.”

As we get into November, Gillham said to expect “typical late fall weather,” which likely means our first snowfall before we reach December.

“It's a season of transition. We've got some summer warmth to start and we'll probably see our first taste of winter before it's over, but … there's still lot of opportunity to enjoy the fall foliage,” he said.