What’s up with all the summer rain in Halifax’s forecast?

DRY JULY? NOT YET.

What’s up with all the summer rain in Halifax’s forecast?

It hasn’t been a summer for hanging clothes out to dry. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, Halifax Stanfield International Airport saw 20 days with at least some amount of rainfall in June. That’s second only to famously icy January (26 days of rain and snow) for precipitation in the past 12 months, and nearly the same amount of drizzly days that June and July combined for (21) in 2022.

All of those showers have added up: Halifax received 213.7 millimetres of rain in June, more than double the month’s average of 96.2 mm. And July hasn’t been much drier—in the first four days alone, Halifax has seen nearly half (43.3 mm) of the monthly rainfall average (95.5 mm) for this time of year.

So what gives? And when will summer arrive for good? Coast reporter Martin Bauman went in search of the answer.

Need to know

🏠 The Province and the HRM have announced plans for a new licensed long-term care facility aimed at creating an “environment that’s more culturally responsive to African Nova Scotians.” Read the full release. 

🖌️ The Halifax Mural Festival is here! Don’t forget to check out the awesome closing party July 8 at Maxwell’s Plum Beer Garden, 4-10pm.*

👏 Nova Scotia human rights activist, Lynn Jones, was recently appointed a member of the Order of Canada.

🏊 According to halifax.ca the new Halifax Common Pool facility is opening today at 1pm.

🥳 You're invited to the North by Night Market on July 14! This pop-up style party with food, music, and artisanal goods is always a good time!*

*Sponsored Post

SPONSORED BY LOST BELL ESTATE WINERY

Introducing: Lost Bell wines

Lost Bell Estate Winery, the third oldest vineyard in Nova Scotia, is embarking on an exciting transformation to bring you an extraordinary winery experience. The historic Sainte-Famille vineyard, renowned for its legacy of innovation, is being reborn as Lost Bell Wines—a destination that celebrates the site's rich heritage and invites guests to be part of their exciting new chapter.

Indulge in the exquisite offerings of Lost Bell, including the delectable Tidal Bay, Seyval, Rose, Baco Noir, and Wild Blueberry wines—all available now at the NSLC.

Stay tuned to @drinklostbell for updates on renovation progress, products, and sampling opportunities. Lost Bell Wines awaits, ready to invite you into a world of exceptional wines, warm hospitality, and unforgettable experiences. Cheers!

In case you missed it

SPONSORED BY DOWNTOWN HALIFAX

It's the summer of events in Downtown Halifax

It is shaping up to be a busy summer in Downtown Halifax!

July is jam-packed with festivals and events like The Curio Collective’s Summer Vintage Show, the Halifax Mural Festival, the Halifax Jazz Festival, Broadway in Halifax, and the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG 2023).

Get out and enjoy everything happening this summer in Downtown Halifax, and keep up to date at DowntownHalifax.ca/Events.

In other news

🍽 The new Souls Harbour Rescue Mission drop-in centre in Lower Sacville opened earlier this week. CEO Michelle Porter spoke with Global News about how the centre is a step in the right direction but not quite enough to combat the ongoing housing crisis.

⚡️ Thinking of installing a heat pump? You’re not the only one. Read how other Nova Scotians are turning to the more energy-efficient option and the grants and rebates you may qualify for.

🧑‍⚖️ A former head monk at Gampo Abbey monastery in Pleasant Bay recently pleaded guilty to voyeurism for an incident that occurred while he was still practicing.

🔥 The Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc. is estimating the recent Tantallon area wildfires cost over $165 million in insured damage.

🚨 The trial for the teen accused of the Charles P. Allen High School stabbing in Bedford is expected to start on March 18, 2024.

MUSIC

This Halifax band almost broke up due to burnout. Instead, they’re launching a triumphant comeback this Saturday at The Marquee.

If Justin Murphy—front person of Halifax indie rock band Walrus—feels a bit reverent when he takes The Marquee stage this July 8, it’ll be hard to blame him. Someone a bit more prone to cheesiness might even pinch themselves (though that feels out-of-character for Murphy’s brand of north end irony). See, it isn’t just the band’s first hometown gig in four years. It’s a fact that the plastered-about-town show posters hint at in calling the event “the unexpected return to live performance from Walrus”: Not mere marketing, this is a show that almost didn’t happen at all.

“It’s weird to put into words. It was almost like I was hurt by the idea of music; scarred by it, in a weird way,” Murphy begins, speaking with The Coast by phone weeks before the upcoming show. “It was strange, mentally, for a while: I would listen to all the stuff I love and I couldn’t get into anything.” It’s a textbook description of chronic burnout. It’s also the reality for many mid-level musicians today.

Luckily, Murphy managed to reconnect with his art—and now Walrus fans can, too, as the show that almost didn’t happen takes place on July 8.

Read more on Murphy, Walrus and the upcoming show at The Coast. 

🗓 Things to do

Looking for something to do over the next week? Check out these Coast picks:

Thursday

• Artist Meet and Greet: Check out the Eastern Son exhibit at the Cuts and Paste Gallery and stay for an artist talk with the mind behind the art, S. Korey Steckle | July 6 | 4-6pm.

• Lilac & Thistle: A new general store, Lilac & Thistle, is having its grand opening in the Brewery Market today. Stop by for discounts, giveaways and free samples | July 6 | 11am-7pm.

Friday

• Stewart Legere: Stewart Legere will be performing an intimate summer show at Ramblers this Friday. Seating is limited so make sure to grab your tickets beforehand | July 7 | 8pm | $25.

• Hubbards Food Truck Festival: If you’re up for a little bit of a drive, check out this year’s Hubbards Food Truck Festival with over 10 vendors to shop from and live entertainment | July 7 | 3-7pm | $2 admission.

Saturday

• The Unexpected Return to Live Performance: Walrus with guest performers Aquasocks, Creep & The Pervs and Century Samuel will be at The Marquee for its The Unexpected Return to Live Performance show | July 8 | 10pm | $20-$25.

• Sup Dawg: In honour of Halifax Mural Fest, The Oxford Taproom is hosting a Sup Dawg day. Try unique hot dogs like The Memphis, Kimchi Queen, Back on the Ranch and The Old School | July 8 | 11am-4pm.

• Footloose screening: The Chickenburger has brought back its free Movie Night Under the Stars. Head to the green space behind the restaurant for an evening screening of Footloose. Don’t forget a chair! | July 8 | 8:4pm | Free.

• Celebration of Life: A Celebration of Life for the infamous Seaport Farmers’ Market’s Chenpapa owner, Yi Chiao Chen, is being held at Pier 21 this weekend | July 8 | 10:30am-1:30pm.

• Summer Vintage Show: The Curio is back with its Collective Summer Vintage show at 1800 Argyle Street this week. Spend the day shopping from loads of vendors and sipping on a cool beer | July 8 | 10am-5pm | $5.

Sunday

• The Dusty Halos: Take a day trip to Wolfville and catch The Dusty Halos live at the Wolfville Waterfront Park as part of the town's Summer Concert Series | July 9 | 2-4pm | Free.

• Mat-Leave Sunday: Hey parents! Good Robot Elmsdale is hosting a Mat-Leave Sunday to create a space where parents can socialize and children and play | July 9 | 2-4pm | free

Find more Halifax events in The Coast listings.