Rain, thunderstorm risk continues across eastern Newfoundland tonight; clearing spreads westward

Showers, heavy rain and the risk of thunderstorms are expected tonight across parts of eastern and central Newfoundland, while improving conditions spread across western sections of the Island.

The wettest conditions are expected across the Avalon Peninsula this evening, where rain and embedded thunderstorms will persist before tapering off near or shortly after midnight. An additional 5 to 10 millimetres of rainfall is expected, with strong southerly winds gusting between 70 and 80 km/h, gradually easing and shifting southwesterly overnight.

Across the Bonavista Peninsula, Clarenville area and Terra Nova region, skies will remain mostly cloudy with a lingering chance of showers this evening before conditions gradually improve overnight. Temperatures will hold in the mid-teens.

Central Newfoundland, including Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, the Bay of Exploits and Green Bay-White Bay, will see scattered showers and a continued risk of thunderstorms early this evening. Skies are expected to clear later tonight as winds diminish, with overnight lows ranging from 8°C in sheltered inland valleys to 14°C elsewhere.

Southern Newfoundland, including the Burin Peninsula, Connaigre and Burgeo-Ramea regions, will experience lingering showers, drizzle and isolated thunderstorms this evening before gradual clearing develops overnight. Areas of fog will remain possible near the coast.

Western Newfoundland will enjoy the most favourable conditions overnight. Areas from Channel-Port aux Basques to Corner Brook and Deer Lake will see partly cloudy skies after evening showers end, although increasing cloud cover and a slight chance of showers may return late tonight. Overnight temperatures will generally fall to between 8°C and 12°C.

Along the Northern Peninsula, showers will diminish this evening, giving way to partial clearing overnight. Gusty southwest winds will continue through the night, particularly along exposed coastal areas.

Meanwhile, Labrador will remain unsettled. Showers are expected across most regions tonight, with rainfall amounts generally between 2 and 4 millimetres. The southeast coast may see a few lingering thunderstorms early in the evening before activity weakens. Overnight lows will range from 8°C in western and northern Labrador to around 13°C along the southeast coast.

Conditions are expected to improve significantly across much of Newfoundland on Thursday, with sunshine returning to many areas and temperatures climbing into the low- to mid-20s inland. Labrador, however, is expected to remain cool and showery.