Rain, Smoke, and a Watchful Eye on the Tropics

It’s been a damp day across central and eastern Newfoundland, and the timing couldn’t be better with wildfires still burning on the island. Some heavier showers even reached the Bay de Verde Peninsula, right near the Kingston fire zone, giving crews a much-needed hand.

Earlier today, smoke from the Kingston fire drifted across the Northeast Avalon, briefly spiking air quality readings around St. John’s before winds shifted and visibility improved. The fire remains large, closing in on 11,000 hectares, with the most active burning on its western and southwestern sides. For now, officials say it is not directly threatening communities — and let’s hope it stays that way with the rainfall moving through.

Looking ahead, showers taper overnight with sunshine breaking through tomorrow, especially in eastern areas. Temperatures will range from near 20 in the south and west to cooler values in northern and coastal spots.

Meanwhile, in the tropics, Hurricane Erin has weakened to a Category 2 storm and is tracking northwest. Current projections keep it southeast of Newfoundland this weekend, but it may stir up big swells along the coast — some waves topping 3 meters. If you have ferry travel booked this weekend, keep an eye on the forecast. Direct impacts from Erin look unlikely at this point, though some southern areas could catch a few showers on the fringe of the system.

For full 7-day forecasts anywhere in the province, grab the Sheerr Weather app.