Temperatures flaring
Islanders continue to weather summer heatwave
The summer of 2018 heatwave is showing no signs of cooling down. Prince Edward Island hasn’t had much relief in a while, and experts are saying the rest of the week looks pretty hot. Still, some Island business owners are finding a way to weather the storm. Neally Currie, co-owner of the Street Eats P.E.I. food truck, has been inadvertently training for this all year. “I do hot yoga. I think every kitchen staff member should do it,” she joked. SaltWire Network’s chief meteorologist Cindy Day has been keeping a close eye on P.E.I.’s weather patterns. While most provinces in Atlantic Canada aren’t under a heat warning, Day said temperatures will remain hot and humid across the region. “It is going to be as warm through much of N.S. as it is in P.E.I.,” Day said. The reason other Atlantic provinces aren’t under a heat warning is that each province has different criteria for the warnings. “On the Island, you just need two consecutive days with 27 degrees or more with overnight lows of 18 or more,” said Day. “So, it looks like your overnight lows will be at least 19 and your daytime temperature will be 27, 28 degrees.” In Nova Scotia the requirements are different — two consecutive days of 29 C or warmer with overnight temperatures of 16 C or warmer. Heat warnings in Nova Scotia could also be issued with two consecutive days with a humidex of 36 or more, said Day Most of Atlantic Canada has reached the criteria in their specific region. Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and part of Newfoundland issued heat warnings Wednesday. During the hot days, Currie said a lot of people don’t want to eat some of the hot food that brings their temperature up even more. The food truck offers salads as a cooler option to other menu items like cheeseburgers. At least the food truck’s customers don’t have worry too much about the heat — they have the shade from trees on the lawn near Province House and often a nice breeze in the evening, Currie said. Shade certainly helps attract customers when it’s warm. Adding a canopy to the Sugar Skull Cantina makes customers more comfortable, said co-owner Brett Hogan. He also mentioned the heat kitchen staff has to endure. “It’s more about keeping morale up. We pass out Freezies, keep them hydrated and happy,” Hogan said. Outdoor entertainers in Charlottetown are also doing what they can to stay hydrated and motivated. The Night Band uses its love of music to keep spirits up in the heat. The group plays the same time on Monday afternoons regardless of what the thermometer says. Bassist Chris Budhan said the shade of the stage on Victoria Row in Charlottetown helps. “I think about the music, it keeps my mind off the heat,” he said. Bandmate Adien Salvadi agreed, saying it’s his passion for music that keeps him jamming in the heat. “I enjoy playing, but I hate the heat.” Weather patterns this summer have certainly been something to behold. “It is so shocking looking at how different the past two months have been,” said Day, noting rainfall in June was almost double the monthly average. “It has been the tale of two seasons in the months of June and July.”