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5 Critical Things To Know About The Snow-to-Rain Mess Across Newfoundland This Weekend (Dec 21, 2025)

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Newfoundland is navigating a messy transition on Sunday, December 21, 2025, as a complex weather system brings a mix of snow, rain, and strong winds across the island. After a weekend that saw significant snowfall and blizzard warnings in some regions, the final day of the system is proving to be a challenge for travelers and residents, with a changeover from snow to rain expected for many areas, complicating cleanup efforts just before the holidays. This article breaks down the latest Environment Canada forecasts, specific snow accumulation totals, and what you need to know to stay safe today and into the start of the new week.

The highly variable conditions are a classic Newfoundland December scenario, with a mix of a "December Thaw" and heavy winter conditions impacting different parts of the island simultaneously. From the potential for significant lake-effect snow squalls on the west coast to a general 2 to 4 cm of snow accumulation followed by rain and mild temperatures near the Bonavista Peninsula, the forecast demands close attention to regional advisories.

The Latest Environment Canada Forecast and Snow Accumulation Totals (December 21, 2025)

The primary weather story for Sunday, December 21, 2025, revolves around a significant shift in precipitation type and intensity as the system moves through. While some areas are dealing with fresh snow, others are already transitioning to rainfall, creating slick and challenging conditions.

  • General Accumulation: For many central and eastern parts of the island, the forecast calls for a manageable 2 to 4 cm of new snowfall today, followed by approximately 2 mm of rain as temperatures rise. This snow-to-rain changeover, coupled with southwest winds gusting up to 30 km/h, will create slushy roads and reduced visibility.
  • Western Newfoundland Snow Squall Warning: The most intense conditions are focused on the West Coast and parts of the Northern Peninsula. Environment Canada has issued a Snow Squall Warning for these areas, with the potential for 10 to 20 cm of heavy, localized lake-effect snow. These conditions can cause near-zero visibility and rapid accumulation, making travel extremely hazardous in the affected regions, including near Rocky Harbour.
  • St. John's and the Avalon Peninsula: The capital region is experiencing milder conditions compared to the rest of the island. The forecast for St. John's on Sunday calls for a high of 2°C and a low of -4°C, with some models suggesting only light flurries and a very low chance of significant accumulation. However, residents should still expect slippery conditions due to the mix of precipitation and wind.
  • Preceding Blizzard Conditions: This weekend's system follows a period of intense winter weather. Forecasters had previously warned of blizzard conditions with up to 40 cm of snowfall expected through Monday night for parts of Western and Central Newfoundland, highlighting the overall volatility of the current weather pattern.

These varying forecasts underscore the importance of checking the specific regional alerts issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) before heading out. The mix of snow, rain, and freezing temperatures is a recipe for black ice and very difficult driving conditions.

Travel Advisories and Commuter Impact Across the Island

The combination of heavy snow, strong winds, and the subsequent change to rain is severely impacting travel across Newfoundland, prompting various advisories and warnings from provincial and local authorities.

Road Conditions and Visibility:

The primary concern for commuters is the drastically reduced visibility, particularly in areas under the Snow Squall Warning. Heavy, localized lake-effect snow can drop visibility to near zero in minutes, creating whiteout conditions. Even in areas with lower accumulation, the strong southwest winds are causing blowing snow, which exacerbates the visibility issue across open areas and highways.

Ferry and Air Travel Delays:

While specific current updates for Sunday, December 21, are fluid, previous warnings regarding strong winds and a significant winter storm had already caused disruptions earlier in the week. Travelers planning to use the Marine Atlantic ferry service or flights out of St. John's International Airport (YYT) or Deer Lake Regional Airport (YDF) are advised to check their status immediately. The combination of strong winds and icing potential poses a risk to air travel schedules.

Safety Reminders for Drivers:

Authorities are urging motorists to avoid non-essential travel. If driving is necessary, ensure your vehicle is fully prepared for winter conditions, including a full tank of gas, an emergency kit, and working winter tires. The transition from dry snow to wet snow and then to rain will make road surfaces exceptionally slick and unpredictable, increasing the risk of accidents.

Preparing for the Week Ahead: The Post-Storm Cleanup and Cold Snap

As the current system moves out, the focus will quickly shift to the aftermath and the conditions expected for the upcoming week. The post-storm cleanup will be complicated by two factors: the mix of precipitation and a return to colder temperatures.

The Ice Risk:

The most pressing concern following the rain and milder temperatures is the inevitable freeze-up. As temperatures drop overnight on Sunday and into Monday morning, the melted snow and rainwater will turn into a thick layer of ice. This will make sidewalks, driveways, and untreated roads extremely hazardous. Residents should prepare to use salt and sand immediately to mitigate the risk of slips and falls.

Municipal Cleanup Efforts:

Towns and cities across Newfoundland, including St. John's and Harbour Grace, will be mobilizing snow clearing crews. The heavy, wet snow and slush mixture is harder to move than dry powder, which may slow down residential street clearing. Residents are asked to be patient and avoid parking on the street where it impedes snow removal equipment. The focus will be on clearing main arteries first to ensure essential services can operate.

Long-Range Outlook:

While the immediate storm is the focus, the long-range forecast for December 2025 suggests a continuation of volatile winter weather. Newfoundland's December is typically cold, with long-term averages indicating daytime maximum temperatures around 2°C. The rapid changes seen this weekend—from heavy snow and blizzard warnings to a mild thaw and rain—are characteristic of the region’s challenging winter climate. Residents should remain vigilant and prepared for more active weather systems as the holiday season progresses.

Essential Entities and Resources for Newfoundland Weather Updates

To maintain topical authority and provide the most reliable information, residents should refer directly to official Canadian weather and news sources. These entities provide the most immediate and localized updates on warnings and advisories:

  • Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC): The official source for all weather warnings, special weather statements, and public forecasts for Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • CBC Newfoundland and Labrador: A reliable local news source for immediate reports on road closures, school cancellations, and community impact.
  • VOCM News: Often features a dedicated "Storm Information Page" with real-time updates from meteorologists and community reports.
  • The Weather Network: Provides detailed snowfall radar and extended forecasts for all regions, including Western and Central Newfoundland.
  • Provincial Department of Transportation and Infrastructure: The source for real-time highway conditions and road closures across the island.

By staying informed through these official channels, Newfoundland residents can navigate the challenging conditions brought by this intense, mixed-precipitation weekend system and prepare effectively for the upcoming week’s freeze-up.

5 Critical Things to Know About the Snow-to-Rain Mess Across Newfoundland This Weekend (Dec 21, 2025)
snow expected across newfoundland this weekend.
snow expected across newfoundland this weekend.

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