Wildfire Smoke Drifts Into Newfoundland, Rain on the Way, and Watching Fernand
It was a decent Monday weather-wise across Newfoundland, but air quality told a different story. Smoke from the Long Lake Fire in Nova Scotia pushed its way across much of the Island and even into parts of Labrador. The fire, burning in western Nova Scotia, has been producing a large and persistent plume, which drifted north today and reduced air quality in several regions.
In Corner Brook, hazy skies obscured the sunshine and limited visibility over Humber Arm. PM2.5 observations (the fine particulate matter that makes up wildfire smoke) spiked above safe levels in some communities, with readings over 100 in the Norris Point–Gros Morne area earlier in the day. That’s high enough to not only be noticeable but also to have potential health impacts.
The good news is that air quality began to improve this afternoon as the smoke shifted northward. Environment and Climate Change Canada did issue Special Air Quality Statements for much of central and northeastern Newfoundland as well as the Northern Peninsula, but those are expected to ease from south to north as the plume continues to move on. Even so, intermittent smoke is possible over the next couple of days as additional surges drift across the region.
Rain on the Way
The same system bringing rain to Nova Scotia’s Long Lake Fire zone is also spreading showers into Newfoundland tonight. Rain will become more widespread overnight, with Tuesday shaping up to be a wet day for much of southern and eastern Newfoundland.
Timing: By Tuesday morning, steady rain will be underway in southern and southeastern areas, lingering into the afternoon before tapering off from west to east by evening. Central and western Newfoundland should dry out earlier in the day. Labrador may hang on to showers into Wednesday morning.
Amounts: Totals of 30–60 mm are possible along parts of the south coast (Burgio, Port aux Basques, Harbour Breton), while most other areas can expect 10–20 mm. Along the Labrador coast, especially near Makkovik, locally heavier rainfall of 50+ mm is possible.
Watches & Warnings: Rainfall warnings are in effect for parts of the southwest coast, and Environment Canada has issued Special Weather Statements for the Avalon and Burin Peninsulas.
Temperatures Tuesday will run in the teens to low 20s across Newfoundland, while Labrador stays cooler, with single digits to low teens.
Tropical Storm Fernand
We’re also keeping an eye on Tropical Storm Fernand in the Atlantic. Right now, the system is struggling with wind shear, which has separated its upper and lower parts—never a healthy sign for tropical storms.
Track & Intensity: Fernand is expected to drift northward and transition into a subtropical system by Tuesday or Wednesday.
Impact on Newfoundland: Earlier forecasts hinted that its moisture could feed into our current rain system, but that looks less likely now. Much of Fernand’s moisture is already shifting offshore, which may explain why our rainfall forecast dropped off a bit compared to earlier model runs.
Looking Ahead
The rest of the week will bring a cooler and more unsettled pattern:
Central Newfoundland may see a few thunderstorms by Thursday.
Scattered showers are likely for western parts of the Island mid-week.
Labrador stays on the cool side, with single-digit nights and daytime highs in the teens to near 20.
Thanks for the update Eddie😊.The fire has blown up again in the Kingston fire do you have any updates Aug 25 thanks
Eddie, when you say that the wind shear is never a healthy sign for tropical storms, is that positive in that it means the storm could break up and dissipate? I just wasn’t sure if you meant it was a positive or negative thing (for us, not for the storm).
It’s hinders development of the system.
Yes we feel their pain.I hope they get lots of rain. Thanks Eddie