Atlantic: First spring weekend features snow and rain
This will technically be the first weekend of spring, but the weather doesn't seem to have read the calendar in Atlantic Canada.
A system passing through the Atlantic region will have effects lingering through Saturday in the Maritimes and into Sunday morning for Newfoundland. Behind it comes a shot of cooler air set to send temperatures plunging.
Spring is here! Check theweathernetwork.com on Wednesday, March 20 to see what the season has ahead, plus get an EXCLUSIVE sneak peek at Summer 2019!
WEATHER HIGHLIGHTS:
Lingering showers, rain/snow mix for the Maritimes Saturday
Periods of rain for eastern Newfoundland, transitions to snow overnight into Sunday
Clear for Sunday, below-seasonal temps for start and middle of coming week
Stay up-to-date on the current weather ALERTS in your area
WATCH BELOW: TIMING OF THE SYSTEM
Lingering showers and a rain/snow mix are likely across the Maritimes for parts of Saturday, though the system will have largely finished with the region by the mid afternoon, with no more snowfall warnings in effect.
Newfoundland, meanwhile, is set to see the system's effects for a longer period. For Saturday, the island sees on-and-off periods of rain, lasting into the evening, with the Avalon and Burin seeing the heaviest amounts. It is there where rainfall warnings were still in effect Saturday.
Behind, a transition to snow is expected, with the flakes falling into Sunday morning.
Strong winds will also pick up across the Maritimes with this system, with Newfoundland feeling the strongest gusts through Saturday.
HEIGHTENED FLOOD THREAT
This combination of rain, snow and existing snowpack will heighten the threat for localized flooding, especially along the Fundy shores.
New Brunswick's government River Watch program is monitoring a few areas that may receive a flood warning over the weekend. That's after the Nashwaak River at Durham Bridge hit the flood advisory stage on Thursday as well as the St. John River at Woodstock.
The colder air filtering in behind this system will send temperatures plunging to well below seasonal values for the start of next week.
"We're closely watching the track of a system that could bring some snow to southern parts Nova Scotia and Newfoundland early next week" says Weather Network meteorologist Dr. Doug Gillham. "Otherwise, it will be an extended period of fair weather next week."
Be sure to check back as we continue to keep you up to date on these developing weather stories.
