Freezing Rain and Snow Get Going Across Much of Newfoundland Overnight
Freezing rain begins tonight across the Avalon and Bonavista Peninsulas and will carry into Wednesday before eventually transitioning to rain for many areas. Further west, it’s a different story — snow moves in mainly during the day Wednesday and lingers into Thursday across central Newfoundland, the Northern Peninsula, and eventually southeastern Labrador. Things do start to settle down later Thursday, but I’m already watching another system for Friday.
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The main concern with this one is the freezing rain. Some areas could see over 15 mm, and combined with the duration, that’s why Environment Canada has issued warnings across much of eastern and parts of northeastern Newfoundland. Areas just west of that are under special weather statements where a mix of freezing rain, ice pellets, and snow can be expected — especially through central Newfoundland and into the Green Bay–White Bay region.
Timing-wise, most of the freezing rain holds off this evening while temperatures hover just above freezing, especially on the Avalon. After midnight, though, it becomes more widespread and much more noticeable by Wednesday morning. By then, we’re looking at snow inland from Gander to Grand Falls-Windsor, with a transition zone of ice pellets farther east, followed by freezing across the Avalon and northeast coast.
One thing I’m watching closely is how quickly warmer air works in off the ocean as the winds turn from northerly to easterly on the Avalon. Some guidance suggests easterly winds could push temperatures above freezing faster for parts of the Avalon, particularly the southern shore and northeast Avalon/Metro. If that happens, it would limit ice accretion there — which would be a good outcome. But I’m not fully sold on that scenario yet. There’s still some uncertainty.
Right now, the trend has been toward less ice for the Avalon compared to earlier forecasts, with the higher-end totals shifting a bit west. The area from around Clarenville toward Gander — especially near Bonavista Bay — is where I have the most concern. If that zone sees 10 to 15 mm of ice, that’s enough for tree damage and possible power outages.
As for snow, Labrador looks at about 10 to 20 cm before mixing and changing along the coast. On the island, there’s a sharp gradient. Areas near Bonavista Bay may see very little snow, while central Newfoundland — places like Grand Falls-Windsor, Gander, and inland higher terrain — could see 20 cm or more. Western Newfoundland, including Corner Brook, could also pick up 10 to 15 cm.
It’s important to note this is not a cold system. Temperatures hover near freezing for much of the event, so the snow will be wet and heavy — not the light, fluffy kind. That has its own impacts, especially when combined with any ice.
Looking ahead, things improve gradually Thursday, but the overall pattern stays active. Another system could bring snow changing to rain for eastern Newfoundland Friday into Saturday, and depending on how that evolves, there’s potential for a decent burst of snow before any changeover.
Beyond that, there are signs of a more spring-like pattern returning early next week, with temperatures climbing above freezing across much of the province and more sunshine in the mix.
I’ll keep you updated as this unfolds, and there’s a good chance I’ll be live early tomorrow morning with the latest on the freezing rain.
For now, stay weather-aware.
The next forecast drops bright and early Wednesday morning.
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