Sea Smoke, Nor’easters and the Like

FundyLiving visitors have asked, “What is it like here in winter?” They assume lots of snow, and their minds conjure up horrendous weather stories about the Maritimes they heard from the weatherman on TV last winter. Description of winter here becomes a nice chat, like it always does when meeting up - start with the weather. 

At best, telling weather stories is chancy for sure - everyone has their own conceptions. But a few examples of weather realities are at least interesting. 

Four out of five times since living here, snow has not made a real impact until late December/January. But this year, though it looked like it was going to be a green Christmas, a couple of times - we definitely had a white Christmas. 

The real cold, lower than -10, can bring on some interesting weather patterns. For example, the right conditions bring on sea smoke. Sea smoke is often called 'vapour' by local folk, a regular visitor to the Bay of Fundy in mid-winter. On a cold January day, looking out at Passamaquoddy Bay, I would describe this natural phenomenon as raggedly dressed creatures trying to outrun the waves underneath.

What is the formula for sea smoke? In essence, it is the cold air touching the warmer water that creates this reaction. If you can imagine colder air than the Fundy’s sea water, you can understand the reaction. Add the wind breezing through and an allusion of ghostly characters creeping upon the waters - don't be surprised if it gives your backbone a rattle.

Then there are the nor’easters. Snow blows sideways. The winds blowing out of the northwest are also a bone-chilling reality. It’s the ideal time to wear earphones and listen to your favourite music, huddled in your favourite chair with a blanket pulled up, listening to songs, i.e, “I will survive.”

Everyone readily agrees that the best part of extreme weather is when it’s over. It does end.