Stormy turn expected across the province
Much of Newfoundland and Labrador is headed for a rapid shift from warm, relatively calm conditions to a stormier pattern beginning this evening and overnight, with rain, fog and gusty winds advancing across many regions. Forecast guidance points to the most hazardous conditions along the south coast, where rainfall totals are expected to reach 30 to 40 mm, accompanied by a southeast wind increasing to 60 km/h with gusts to 80 km/h, and localized gusts up to 130 km/h in the Wreckhouse area.
Elsewhere, cloud thickens through the day across the Avalon and northeast coast, with showers developing late in some communities before a more sustained round of rain or drizzle forms tonight. Fog patches are likely to expand overnight, reducing visibility on exposed headlands and along higher terrain.
Avalon: gusty winds, fog and overnight rain
For St. John’s and Bonavista, the day trends mainly cloudy, with a late-day chance of showers particularly around Bonavista. Winds shift through the afternoon, generally ranging 20 km/h gusting to 40 km/h, with direction varying by location. Temperatures reach a high near 22 C in St. John’s (humidex 25) and 21 C in Bonavista, under a UV index of 7 (high).
After sunset, conditions deteriorate as rain or periods of drizzle develop near midnight. Forecasters expect around 5 mm of rain in St. John’s and 2 to 4 mm in Bonavista overnight. Winds strengthen out of the southeast to about 30 km/h gusting to 50 km/h, with coastal gusts potentially reaching 70 km/h in some exposed sections. The temperature dips to a low near 12 C. Fog patches are expected to form and persist into early Monday before improving.
South coast: drenching rain and severe gusts
The south coast faces the most intense impacts today and tonight. Rain, heavy at times, spreads in with a risk of a thunderstorm late in the afternoon. Visibility will be significantly reduced under fog patches. By evening, 30 to 40 mm of rain is anticipated, with additional ~5 mm before skies trend mainly cloudy around midnight. Winds surge from the southeast, increasing to 60 km/h with gusts to 80 km/h, and localized gusts to 130 km/h in the Wreckhouse area. Temperatures hold near 14 C, except up to 17 C north of Cape Ray.
Overnight, the strongest southeast winds ease, backing to southwest 20 km/h gusting to 40 km/h after the rain subsides. Fog thins before daybreak. Monday turns more settled, with a mix of sun and cloud near noon and a high near 16 C; the UV index recovers to 6 (high).
Central and adjacent regions: late-day showers, then wet and windy
In central areas, skies remain mainly cloudy through the day with a 40% chance of showers late in the afternoon. Winds build this morning to southwest 20 km/h gusting to 40 km/h, strengthening south 30 km/h gusting to 50 km/h by afternoon. The temperature reaches a high near 20 C under a UV index of 7 (high). This evening brings a turn to periods of rain or drizzle as the larger system spreads inland.
Forecast snapshot
| Region | Daytime conditions | Winds (peak gusts) | High (C) | Overnight | Rain (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. John’s | Mainly cloudy; late-day shower risk nearby | SW to S ~20 km/h (40) | 22 (Humidex 25) | Rain/drizzle, fog patches | ~5 |
| Bonavista | Mainly cloudy; 40% showers late | SE ~20 km/h (40) | 21 | Rain/drizzle developing; fog | 2–4 |
| South Coast | Rain, heavy at times; TS risk | SE 60 km/h (80), Wreckhouse 130 | 14–17 | Rain ends; mainly cloudy | 30–40 (+~5) |
| Central | Mainly cloudy; 40% late showers | SW 20 (40) increasing S 30 (50) | 20 | Rain/drizzle begins | — |
Travel and safety
- Expect rapidly changing visibility in fog, especially overnight and along the coast.
- On the south coast, anticipate ponding and localized flooding in heavy downpours; slow down on wet roads.
- In the Wreckhouse area, severe gusts up to 130 km/h can make travel hazardous for high‑profile vehicles; consider delaying non‑essential travel during peak winds.
- Secure loose outdoor items ahead of the strongest winds to reduce the risk of wind‑blown debris.
- UV remains high (6–7) today in many areas; if outdoors before the rain arrives, use sun protection.
Monday outlook
Conditions improve through Monday as showers and drizzle taper off in the morning for the Avalon and nearby regions, with fog patches dissipating and southwest winds strengthening to 30 km/h gusting to 50 km/h. Highs near 22 C are expected in the St. John’s area under a moderate UV index (5), while the south coast trends cooler, around 16 C, with more sunshine developing by midday.
Bottom line: a warm start for many gives way to a wet, windy and foggy stretch tonight, led by a high‑impact period along the south coast. Plan for reduced visibility, strong crosswinds and periods of heavy rain before a gradual improvement on Monday.
