10 Surprising Weather Facts About St. Johns, Newfoundland

If you've ever been curious about the weather phenomena in St. Johns, Newfoundland, you're in for a treat! St. Johns, the capital of Canada’s easternmost province, is not only known for its stunning natural beauty but also for some of the most intriguing weather facts in North America. 🥶 Let's dive into the atmospheric quirks of this unique city!

The Iceberg Alley 🧊

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=St. Johns iceberg alley" alt="Iceberg in St. Johns, Newfoundland"/> </div>

St. Johns is part of what's commonly known as the "Iceberg Alley." Here, icebergs from Greenland and the Arctic drift down with the Labrador Current. The spectacle of these massive ice giants can be seen off the shores of Newfoundland from spring through early summer.

Notable Facts:

• In spring, icebergs are so frequent that local boats often conduct tours to view these natural wonders up close.
• The largest iceberg ever recorded near Newfoundland was estimated to be over 130 meters high, which is as tall as a 40-story building!

<p class="pro-note">🧊 Note: Iceberg Alley attracts tourists from around the globe, eager to witness this natural phenomenon firsthand.</p>

Ocean Fog 🚫️🌫️

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Newfoundland Ocean Fog" alt="Ocean Fog over St. Johns, Newfoundland"/> </div>

St. Johns experiences heavy fog due to the meeting of the warm Gulf Stream and the cold Labrador Current. This weather phenomenon can last for days or even weeks at a time.

Surprising Elements:

• Foghorn Heaven: St. Johns boasts one of the highest concentrations of foghorns in the world, with some estimates suggesting there are over 100 lighthouses and foghorns along the coast.
• The dense fog creates a mystical atmosphere that many visitors find both eerie and enchanting.

The Microclimates 🌦️

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=St. Johns microclimates" alt="Microclimates in St. Johns"/> </div>

One of the most fascinating weather facts about St. Johns is the existence of microclimates. The city's topography, with hills and valleys, creates diverse weather conditions in close proximity:

• One side of the hill might be sunny and warm, while just a short drive away, it could be shrouded in fog or experiencing drizzle.
• These microclimates can lead to sudden weather changes, making local weather forecasts somewhat challenging.

Historical Snowstorms ❄️

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=St. Johns snowstorms" alt="Snowstorm in St. Johns, Newfoundland"/> </div>

St. Johns has a reputation for heavy snowfall, often leading to the city experiencing some of Canada's most intense and frequent snowstorms:

• In February 2001, St. Johns had a record-breaking storm with 70 cm of snow in 24 hours, and another 50 cm the following day!
• Snow can persist into late spring, and it's not uncommon for May to still have snow on the ground.

The Warmest Day on Record 🌡️

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=St. Johns warmest day" alt="Warm day in St. Johns, Newfoundland"/> </div>

Despite its cold reputation, St. Johns has had its share of warmth:

• The record high for St. Johns is 30°C, set on August 5, 2005. This event is particularly noteworthy given the usual cool, coastal climate.

Hurricanes 🌀

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=St. Johns hurricanes" alt="Hurricane approaching St. Johns, Newfoundland"/> </div>

Although located north of the typical hurricane paths, St. Johns has had brushes with tropical storms:

• Hurricane Gonzalo in 2014 was the most recent notable storm, bringing strong winds and flooding to the region.

<p class="pro-note">🌀 Note: Newfoundlanders are known for their resilience, often preparing extensively for storm seasons.</p>

Gales of November 🍂💨

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=St. Johns November Gales" alt="Gales in St. Johns, Newfoundland"/> </div>

St. Johns experiences strong, often hurricane-force gales in November, which can lead to significant disruptions:

• Wind Speeds: These gales can bring wind speeds upwards of 100 km/h.
• Impact: They can cause power outages, structural damage, and impact marine activities.

Aurora Borealis 🎆

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=St. Johns Aurora Borealis" alt="Aurora Borealis over St. Johns, Newfoundland"/> </div>

While not weather-related, the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is a visual spectacle you might catch on clear, dark nights:

• St. Johns' latitude allows for occasional glimpses of the aurora, making it a special treat for stargazers.

Sea Smoke 🌫️

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=St. Johns Sea Smoke" alt="Sea Smoke in St. Johns, Newfoundland"/> </div>

Sea smoke or "frost smoke" occurs when extremely cold air blows over relatively warm water:

• It's a sight to behold, often creating an ethereal appearance on the harbor and around ships.

The Ice-Fishing Phenomenon 🎣️❄️

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=St. Johns Ice Fishing" alt="Ice Fishing near St. Johns, Newfoundland"/> </div>

Ice fishing is more than just a recreational activity; it's a cultural phenomenon here:

• Thick Ice: The ice in nearby lakes and rivers can be thick enough for ice-fishing huts to be set up, giving anglers a cozy spot to wait for their catch.

In summary, St. Johns, Newfoundland, offers a cornucopia of weather-related surprises that make it a unique destination. From the majestic icebergs to the ephemeral sea smoke, the weather here is as diverse as it is awe-inspiring. 🌍🌦️ Whether you're a weather enthusiast, a nature lover, or just someone seeking to experience the unexpected, St. Johns delivers on all fronts. Remember to pack your parka, your camera, and an adventurous spirit!

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How often do icebergs visit St. Johns?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Icebergs can be spotted off the coast of St. Johns from late spring to early summer, with peak viewing in May and June.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What's the best time to see the Northern Lights in St. Johns?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>The Aurora Borealis can be seen year-round in St. Johns, but the best chances are during the winter months when the nights are longer and clearer.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Is St. Johns prone to severe weather?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>St. Johns experiences heavy fog, snowstorms, gales, and occasionally, remnants of hurricanes, making it a city with a rich tapestry of weather events.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>