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Wild 24 Hours Across NL: Records, Rain, Wind… and a 32°C Temperature Crash

By Eddie Sheerr·March 18, 2026 · 2:45 PM

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It’s been an incredibly active 24+ hours across Newfoundland and Labrador as a powerful storm system continues to move through the region. From record warmth to heavy rain, strong winds, and now a sharp return to cold — this one has delivered just about everything.

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Record Warmth Before the Crash

Let’s start with yesterday — because it was anything but normal for mid-March.

Many areas across Newfoundland climbed well into the double digits. Lark Harbour nearly hit 19°C, while St. John’s reached 14.1°C. Even typically colder spots like Cartwright and Mary’s Harbour pushed into the teens. One of the most notable stats came from St. Anthony, where the temperature hit 11°C — setting a new all-time March temperature record at that location, with records dating back to 1945.

=NEW MONTHLY RECORD=

High 11.0°C at St Anthony today surpassed Mar 28, 1976 (9.4°C) for its warmest March temp (threaded data 1945-2026). Even warmer at St Anthony Arpt (11.9°C).

Also warmest so early in season at Chr Falls, Goose Bay, Hopedale, Cartwright & Mary's Hr. 🌡️ #nlwx pic.twitter.com/XWiXj8LX3l

— Rodney Barney (@rcbstormpost) March 18, 2026

Heavy Rain and Strong Winds

Along with the warmth came soaking rain and powerful winds.

Southern and southwestern Newfoundland saw the heaviest rainfall totals:

• Burgeo: ~74 mm

• St. Alban’s: ~70 mm

• Port aux Basques: 51.2 mm

Meanwhile, Labrador — especially Lab West — dealt with intense winds. Wabush recorded a peak gust over 100 km/h, marking the strongest wind there since 1991 and the first triple-digit gust since 2002.

Final peak 104 km/h yesterday at Wabush #YWK; strongest since Nov 30, 1991 (also 104 km/h), and first 100+ km/h since Oct 5, 2002 (102 km/h).

Also, sharp cooldown: YWK 7.6°C (Tue max) to -26.8°C (low thru 9 am).

Goose Bay #YYR: 13.4°C (Tue max) to -15.6°C (this a.m.). #nlwx pic.twitter.com/0kTH4p17rR

— Rodney Barney (@rcbstormpost) March 18, 2026

Then… the Bottom Dropped Out

And now, the part that really stands out.

In Wabush, temperatures fell from +5°C at 2 PM yesterday to -27°C by 10 AM today.

That’s a staggering 32°C drop in less than 24 hours — a dramatic reminder of just how volatile March can be in Labrador. This isn’t just cold air moving in — it’s a full-on Arctic air mass plunging south out of Quebec and locking into place.

Observed temperatures at Wabush Airport (Labrador) from 2 PM yesterday (March 17) through 12 PM today show a staggering drop of 32°C (57°F) in less than 24 hours. #nlwx pic.twitter.com/9NpuKj1I0q

— Eddie Sheerr (@EddieSheerr) March 18, 2026

What’s Happening Now

As of today:

• Labrador is cold, sunny, and much calmer than yesterday

• Newfoundland is transitioning, with colder air pushing in from west to east

• Some areas are already seeing rain change back to snow as temperatures fall

What’s Next

Tonight turns sharply colder across the province:

• Labrador: lows near -20 to -33°C in Lab West

• Newfoundland: lows ranging from -6 to -16°C, coldest on the Northern Peninsula

Thursday looks quieter overall, with plenty of sunshine.

However, another system offshore may clip eastern Newfoundland Thursday night into early Friday, bringing:

• 2–5 cm for some areas

• 5–10 cm possible across parts of the Avalon, including St. John’s

There is still some uncertainty on how far west that snow reaches

Looking Ahead

The pattern stays active. Another system is expected late weekend into early next week, bringing:

• Snow to western Newfoundland and Labrador by Sunday

• Possible mixing with rain on the South Coast

• Snow potentially lingering into Monday

I’ll have my next update posted tomorrow morning!

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