As spring progresses, Canada continues to experience remnants of winter with significant snowfall expected this week, particularly in Labrador. Despite entering April, the region is bracing for multiple rounds of snow that could accumulate to more than 25 cm in certain areas.
According to The Weather Network, this level of snowfall is typical for Labrador in April, which generally sees about 40-50 cm during the month. Some communities, such as Nain, frequently see snowfall stretching into June, highlighting the region’s unique climatic conditions.
Meteorologist Rachel Modestino noted, “This week will be particularly intense as some regions could see nearly half of Labrador’s monthly snow averages in just a few days.” The first major snow event is expected early Tuesday, starting from Labrador City and extending to the coast, characterized by heavy snow coupled with gusty winds reaching 70-90 km/h. These conditions are likely to lead to deteriorating road conditions, potential whiteouts, and significantly reduced visibility.
A blowing snow warning has been issued for the affected areas. Following Tuesday’s heavy snow, a lighter, wetter snow is forecasted to cover Labrador and inland regions later in the day. The snowfall will continue with a third wave on Thursday, which could bring icy conditions along the coast from Red Bay to Norman’s Bay and more substantial snowfall inland.
As the system moves out, northerly winds with gusts ranging from 50-70 km/h are expected to cause additional flurries along the coast. While there is some uncertainty in the exact snow totals, forecasts indicate that higher elevation areas could see as much as 25 cm, with widespread amounts of 10-20 cm along the coast. However, some areas might experience less accumulation due to icy mixtures.
Residents and travelers in the region should be aware of the potential for significant travel disruptions on both Tuesday and Thursday. It is advisable to plan accordingly and remain prepared for rapid changes in weather conditions.