Unseasonably Mild Air Surges Into Newfoundland and Labrador Ahead of Potent Late-Week System
As we head toward the weekend, Newfoundland and Labrador will experience a notable surge of mild air, accompanied by rain, snow, and strong winds as a potent low-pressure system tracks through eastern Canada
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A Brief Look at Tonight
Overnight temperatures will be fairly typical for mid-December. Labrador will remain in the minus teens, while much of the island settles into the minus single digits—nothing unusual for this time of year.
Friday: The Warmth Arrives
Conditions begin to change on Friday as southerly winds strengthen and draw warmer air northward:
Island temperatures rise to 6–8°C by afternoon.
Western Newfoundland warms to around 4°C, with snow changing to rain later in the day.
Eastern regions reach 2–4°C.
Northern Labrador stays colder, though still milder than recent days.
The Main System: Rain, Snow, and Strong Winds
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued special weather statements for much of the province ahead of this system.
Newfoundland
Rainfall totals may reach up to 45 mm on the southwest coast, with lower amounts elsewhere.
Winds will gust 80–90 km/h, with 110 km/h possible along exposed coastal areas.
Snow will be limited, with most precipitation falling as rain once temperatures rise.
Labrador
Northern Labrador could see 15–25 cm of snow, mainly early in the event.
Southeastern Labrador may receive 25–35 mm of rain.
Strong coastal winds are expected, especially late Friday into Saturday.
This system originates in the Great Lakes region and tracks northward through Quebec into Labrador—a classic setup for a temporary but significant warm surge across the province.
Saturday: Snowmelt and Changing Conditions
By Saturday morning, temperatures rise sharply:
Goose Bay, Makkovik, and Cartwright may reach 8°C.
On the island, temperatures could approach 10°C, leading to rapid snowmelt in areas with an existing snowpack.
As the system exits later Saturday, colder air returns, particularly in Labrador. A flash freeze is possible in parts of western Labrador as temperatures fall quickly.
Flooding and Snowmelt Concerns
With rain falling on snow and temperatures rising rapidly, localized runoff and minor flooding are possible. To reduce risk:
Clear snow and ice from storm drains if safe to do so.
Ensure water can drain freely away from foundations.
Where possible, safely remove excess snow buildup near buildings.
Looking Ahead
Sunday turns noticeably cooler province-wide, followed by a quieter weather pattern early next week. Longer-range guidance suggests colder air becomes more established heading toward Christmas, with increasing confidence in snow chances for eastern and central Newfoundland later next week.
While some snowpack will be lost during this warm spell, winter is far from over—and the odds of a white Christmas are still very much alive.
More forecast updates will follow.
I’ll have my next update posted over the weekend.
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