Maritimes Brace for Stormy Halloween as Hurricane Melissa Approaches

HALIFAX – Environment Canada has issued special weather statements for the Maritime provinces, forecasting strong winds and heavy rainfall for Friday, October 31, 2025. The anticipated stormy weather is partly attributed to Hurricane Melissa, which is currently impacting Cuba.

Weather Warnings and Forecasts

According to Environment Canada, the Maritime provinces could receive between 30 to 50 millimetres of rain, with localized areas potentially experiencing even higher amounts. In addition to the rainfall, southeasterly winds are expected to gust between 70 to 80 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching up to 110 km/h in western Cape Breton, particularly from Margaree Harbour to Bay St. Lawrence.

As the storm system moves over the northeastern United States, it is expected to draw in tropical moisture from Hurricane Melissa. Meteorologist Chris Fogarty from the Canadian Hurricane Centre indicated that this could lead to increased rainfall totals across the region.

Impact on Halloween Festivities

Residents of the Maritimes should prepare for a wet and windy Halloween. Fogarty noted that while the forecast includes significant weather challenges, the most severe conditions will not be directly caused by Hurricane Melissa itself. Instead, the hurricane’s influence is expected to combine with a larger low-pressure system affecting the area.

As the situation develops, Environment Canada will continue to monitor the storm and provide updates. Those in the affected regions are advised to stay informed and exercise caution as Halloween approaches, ensuring safety during what is expected to be a tumultuous weather event.

This report was first published on October 29, 2025, by The Canadian Press.