Wild Temperature Swings, Snow Moving In, and Wind on the Way

By Eddie Sheerr·January 16, 2026 · 4:13 PM

Newfoundland and Labrador saw an incredible temperature contrast today as a surge of very mild air over eastern Newfoundland collided with bitter cold in parts of Labrador. The result was one of the larger temperature spreads we’ve seen in quite some time… or ever!

Cold Front Sweeping Through Tonight

A strong cold front is pushing eastward this evening. Rain currently affecting parts of the Avalon will move offshore overnight, while colder air pours in behind it. As that happens:

Snow is already developing across western and northwestern Newfoundland
Snow is falling in parts of southeastern Labrador, locally heavy at times
Mixed precipitation south of St. Anthony will transition to snow this evening

The rain–snow line will continue shifting south and east, with the West Coast seeing a changeover this evening. Any wet surfaces will freeze overnight, leading to icy patches on roads, walkways, and untreated surfaces by Saturday morning.

Snowfall Totals: Tonight into Saturday Morning

From this evening through around 8 a.m. Saturday:

Straits and southeastern Labrador (Cartwright, Eagle River area): 5–15 cm
Northern Peninsula (including St. Anthony): 5–15 cm, especially inland and higher terrain
West Coast: lighter amounts overall, but messy conditions in elevated areas

Fresh snow combined with strengthening winds will lead to blowing and drifting snow overnight and into Saturday.

Wind Becoming the Main Story Saturday

As the low pressure system pulls away and intensifies, winds will increase across much of the region:

Gusts near 90–100 km/h possible in exposed coastal and higher-elevation areas
Strongest winds expected on the Northern Peninsula and in the Long Range Mountains
Windy conditions persist through Saturday before easing Saturday night

If you’re heading into higher terrain — snowmobiling, travelling to cabins, or moving through higher terrain — conditions may be significantly worse than what you see at lower elevations.

Weekend and Early Next Week Outlook

Saturday will be breezy and colder, with temperatures dropping below freezing across most of Newfoundland and Labrador. Sunday looks quieter overall, but another system arrives late Sunday into Monday bringing:

A mix of rain and snow depending on location
Additional snowfall for central and western Newfoundland, the Northern Peninsula, and southeastern Labrador
Potential for brief freezing rain early Monday in parts of northeastern Newfoundland before changing to rain

After that, colder air becomes more firmly established midweek. While that doesn’t guarantee widespread snow, it does increase the chances for snow showers and more seasonable winter conditions across the province.