The Halifax area smashed a heat record on Thursday when the thermometers soared into the red.
Environment Canada is reporting the high for the day was 26.9 degrees at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport.
The previous record for May 12th was set in 1953 at 23 degrees.
Halifax will continue to see balmy weather heading into the weekend.
A high of 22 is expected on Friday and a high of 26 on Saturday.
Police warn against leaving pets in hot cars
Meantime, as the warm weather descends on the city, the Mounties and the SPCA are reminding you not to leave your pets in cars.
They say it doesn’t take long for the interior of your vehicle to heat up, even if you’re running a quick errand.
“Every year, the RCMP in Nova Scotia responds to complaints of animals being left in vehicles during the summer months,” says Cpl. Chris Marshall in a news release. “When the weather is warm, it’s best to leave your four-legged friends’ home or visit pet-friendly businesses to avoid a potentially tragic outcome.”
According to the SPCA, signs that an animal could be in distress include:
- Exaggerated panting
- Rapid or erratic pulse
- Anxious or staring expression
- Weakness and muscle tremors
- Lack of coordination
- Red or blue tongue and lips
- Convulsions or vomiting
- Collapse or coma
The Mounties say if you do see an animal in distress you should look for the owner of the car, and if you can’t find them you should call the police.
With the summer weather finally here, the RCMP and the SPCA are encouraging motorists to think twice before leaving your pets in your vehicle for any amount of time. #NovaScotia https://t.co/hKkmypWmO2 pic.twitter.com/tNxUoeZyDP
— RCMP Nova Scotia (@RCMPNS) May 12, 2022
They recommend you stay by the vehicle until officers arrive on the scene.
“Leaving your window cracked or parking in the shade makes little to no difference,” says Jo-Anne Landsburg, Chief Provincial Inspector at the Nova Scotia SPCA. “The only thing that will do is give you a false feeling that your pet is protected. Even on a mild day, it does not provide enough circulation to prevent the interior temperature from quickly becoming dangerous.”
An animal is not considered to be in distress if it’s standing upright and barking.
