2025 was a year that many of us in Nova Scotia will remember for its dryness. No major storms reached the province, but the lack of rain told a much bigger story.

In total, 789.9 mm of precipitation fell throughout the year. October was the wettest month with 115.6 mm, followed closely by December with 113.1 mm. But between June and October, rain was scarce. A historic drought settled in, leading to widespread water shortages across the province. Here in the Valley, the dry conditions also contributed to two major fires.

Summer brought the heat. The hottest day of the year was August 11, reaching 33.3 ºC, with another near-record day on June 24 at 33.2 ºC. July was the warmest month overall, averaging 21.0 ºC.

Winter was quieter but still cold. February was the coldest month at –5.7 ºC, with the lowest temperature of the year recorded on February 10 at –19.0 ºC.

The average temperature for 2025 was 8.0 ºC, which matches the fern colour in my blanket.

This section of the blanket doesn’t just represent numbers. It holds a year of dry fields, smoky skies, full water tanks, and careful conversations about what comes next.