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Rain on the way for Newfoundland overnight should help in the fight against the wildfires

By Eddie Sheerr·July 21, 2025 · 4:25 PM

It’s Monday, July 21st, and all eyes are on the evolving weather. While many of us might not love the thought of rain, in parts of eastern and northeast Newfoundland, it will likely be a game-changer.

🔥 Wildfire Concerns: Rain Offers a Welcome Assist

The active wildfires near Musgrave Harbour and Chance Harbour remain a serious concern, with smoke and fire risk prompting alerts and evacuations, as well as a watchful eye from emergency services. Today, nature offered some help, and more is on the way tonight and tomorrow.

Rain is spreading across Newfoundland, and some of it will be significant — especially across the northeast and eastern parts of the Island. We’re not talking about just a passing shower here. Several hours of steady rain are expected, and with how dry the ground has been lately, this moisture will be extremely beneficial.

Adding to the potential good news: wind direction is set to shift as a low-pressure centre moves in. While that change may temporarily make things tricky for fire crews (any wind shift can redirect smoke or even flames), the combination of higher humidity, steady rainfall, and cooler temperatures will play a critical role in slowing fire spread and improving working conditions on the ground. If the rain is heavy enough, it may snuff the fires out. Fingers crosed on that one.

🌧️ Tonight: Rain Expands and Wind Shifts

As we move into the evening and overnight hours, the rain continues and becomes more widespread, especially in eastern and northeastern Newfoundland. You can expect a soggy night in places like Gander, Bonavista, Clarenville, and along the northeast coast.

The wind is a key player here. Right now, it’s generally southerly or southeasterly, but as the low moves in, the wind will swing to east, northeast and eventually north, particularly overnight and into early Tuesday. That’s a big shift, and it’s going to usher in cooler, damp ocean air . But it also means wind gusts may pick up, especially along exposed coastal areas. Wind is forecast to be sustained around 50+ km/h for some areas of the northeast coast on Tuesday.

🌦️ Tuesday: Clearing West to East

By Tuesday morning, the bulk of the rain will have moved off the Avalon, and skies will start to clear from west to east. It won’t be an immediate turnaround, but drier air will build in steadily through the day.

Wind gusts from the north and northwest will linger across much of the Island, and while not extreme, they’ll still be noticeable — especially across the northeast coast and Avalon Peninsula. Temperatures will settle back a bit as well, with highs in the high teens to low 20s for most of us, making for a fresher feel overall.

For Labrador, showers will be scattered, and the wind won’t be as big a factor. It’s more of a calm night and day for the Big Land.

📆 Beyond Tuesday: What’s Next?

Wednesday is shaping up to be the most settled day of the week. Sunshine returns for many, and winds finally ease off. A beautiful rebound. More showers return Thursday in the Big Land while the Island remains quiet. THe next chance of rain return to Newfoundland Friday. The weekend looks solid right now, with only forecasts in the cards for Labrador.

Do you have my app, and have your checked out the map room and the road cams? Also get the forecast for your area right here!