Rain hits Nain as unusually powerful spring storm overtakes winter's grip
It’s unusual for rain to fall this far north so early in the season
This week’s powerful spring storm that unleashed blizzard conditions, severe thunderstorms, and widespread gusty winds will continue into Friday with some more unusual conditions pretty far to the north.
Warm air surging to the north will send rain spreading deep into Labrador, where winter typically holds its icy grip for a while longer. After all, the rain in Nain falls mainly…well, later in the season.
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A powerful early-season storm
We witnessed one powerhouse of a low-pressure system this week. A Colorado low quickly strengthened over the central United States.
The storm grew so deep, in fact, that preliminary numbers indicate that several Midwestern cities recorded their lowest air pressure readings ever measured during the month of March.
Blizzard conditions unfolded across the American Plains, while severe thunderstorms roared across the Deep South with isolated tornadoes. Widespread blustery winds and a flood risk accompanied the storm as it crossed north of the border.
Rain pushes unusually far north
Heavy rain and a sudden warmup surged into Atlantic Canada as the storm system swirled into the region. Warm air will continue flowing north as the low-pressure system moves through northern Quebec.
This system will send temperatures rising as much as 20 degrees above seasonal across Labrador during the overnight hours on Friday. Unusually robust moisture will accompany the warmer air, setting the stage for widespread precipitation.
As a result, Friday’s overnight temperatures will remain above freezing in the communities of Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Cartwright. Plain old rain is likely for communities expecting temperatures above the zero-degree mark.
Friday could turn into one of Happy Valley-Goose Bay's rainiest March days on record. 24.4 mm of rain fell here on Mar. 24, 1953, making for the month's rainiest day ever observed. Friday could get close, with 10-20 mm of rain in the forecast.
Above-freezing temperatures will extend all the way to Nain, where its 1,200 or so residents will experience an overnight temperature of about 1°C with unseasonably early rain into early Saturday.
We’ll see readings fall back from their brief peak, allowing for a period of freezing rain to fall throughout Labrador. This includes Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Some areas could see significant icing, which could lead to tree damage and power outages.
This relative warmth won’t last forever. After a short stint above the freezing mark to start the weekend, Nain will see its temperatures fall back below freezing through the foreseeable future.