Storm #1 moves in for Christmas Day, while Storm #2 looms for Boxing Day
Christmas Eve delivered a picture-perfect start across much of Newfoundland and Labrador — fresh snow, blue skies, and calm conditions in many areas. Unfortunately, that won’t last.
A very active weather pattern is setting up for Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and into the weekend, with two significant storm systems expected to impact the province. Here’s what you need to know.
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⏰ Timing & Overview
Snow begins late tonight (after midnight) for the Burin and Avalon Peninsulas
Snow spreads northwest through Christmas Day, reaching central, the Northern Peninsula, and Labrador by evening
Avalon Peninsula: Snow will change to rain around midday, especially for eastern sections
A second, slower-moving storm arrives later on Boxing Day and continues into Saturday and possibly Sunday
🌨️ Snowfall Amounts (System #1)
Avalon Peninsula
Eastern Avalon: ~15–20 cm before changing to rain
Southwest Avalon: ~10–15 cm
Bonavista Peninsula / Central
Widespread 25–40 cm
West Coast
Generally 5–15 cm
Northern Peninsula
15–25 cm along the Gulf
25–40 cm inland
Southeastern Labrador
40–50 cm, locally higher
🌧️ Rain Concern on the Avalon
The biggest question for Christmas Day is how far west the rain/snow line pushes on the Avalon and how long it rains after the changeover. Even a few hours of rain on top of heavy snow will make cleanup extremely difficult. Expect a “shovel alert” around midday when the change begins.
💨 Strong Winds & Power Outage Risk
Winds increase Christmas Day afternoon and evening
Gusts:
80–90 km/h in many coastal areas
110–130 km/h for parts of the Northern Peninsula and southeastern Labrador overnight into Boxing Day
Blowing snow and blizzard-like conditions are likely in exposed areas
Power outages are possible, especially in northern Newfoundland and coastal Labrador
🌀 System #2: Boxing Day into the Weekend
Snow redevelops later on Boxing Day
A slower-moving system means higher snowfall potential
Rain/snow line placement will again determine who sees the worst of it, but the Avalon and some eastern areas will see a change to rain AFTER heavy snowfall overnight into the early daylight hours.
Additional 15–25 cm widespread
25–40+ cm possible in parts of central and northeastern Newfoundland and Labrador
Some areas could approach or exceed 1 metre total snowfall by the time both systems are done
🔎 Bottom Line
This is a long-duration, high-impact stretch of weather, especially for central, northeastern Newfoundland and Labrador. Travel will be difficult at times, and conditions will change quickly — particularly on the Avalon where rain complicates things.
I’ll have updates as needed through Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The holiday doesn’t stop the weather — and it doesn’t stop the forecasts either.
🎄 Merry Christmas, and stay tuned.
I’ll have my next update posted over the weekend.
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