Longtime Maritime meteorologist Peter Coade dead at 82

Peter Coade, a beloved Nova Scotia meteorologist, passed away early Saturday at the age of 82 after battling dementia. He had been hospitalized at the Hants Community Hospital since November, according to his son. Coade had been a familiar face on television and radio for over five decades, providing Maritimers with reliable weather forecasts and a comforting presence.

Known for his down-to-earth demeanor and warm voice, Coade had a deep passion for meteorology and was dedicated to sharing the latest weather predictions. Upon his retirement from CBC in 2016, he emphasized the importance of weather in our daily lives, stating that it dictates our food supply, how we live, and how we work.

During his career, Coade held the Guinness World Record for the longest tenure as a weather forecaster, although the record has since been surpassed. In retirement, he cherished spending time with his family, including his son, daughter, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

CBC anchor Tom Murphy paid tribute to Coade, stating that his name was synonymous with weather and describing him as a calming and informative voice during challenging weather events. Coade’s expertise was evident during high-profile weather events in Nova Scotia, such as Hurricane Juan in 2003 and the snowstorm known as White Juan just five months later.

Hurricane Juan brought powerful winds and significant damage to the region, with Coade accurately predicting its trajectory despite it deviating from the typical weather patterns. Similarly, White Juan blanketed Nova Scotia with heavy snowfall, showcasing Coade’s forecasting skills.

Coade’s journey into meteorology began unexpectedly when he job-shadowed a CBC meteorologist in high school. This experience sparked his interest in weather forecasting, leading to a successful career in radio and television. He worked for various media outlets, including CBC, CFRB in Toronto, and the Canadian International Air Show.

Throughout his career, Coade was known for his professionalism, expertise, and dedication to keeping Maritimers informed about the weather. His legacy as a respected meteorologist and comforting presence on the airwaves will be remembered fondly by all who had the pleasure of listening to him.