Seasonal Outlook for the Gulf of St Lawrence and East Newfoundland Waters - Winter 2011-2012
General Seasonal Outlook
Above normal air temperatures were generally reported between the beginning of June and the end August over the forecast area but colder than normal temperatures were observed over Newfoundland and the eastern Gulf of St. Lawrence. Temperatures from September 1 to late November were above normal over all the forecast area. Water temperatures at the end of November were also above normal except for the near normal temperatures along most of the Labrador coast.
At the end of November, new ice was forming along the Labrador coast and some new and grey ice was forming in Lake Melville. The western end of Lake Melville was consolidated with grey ice. These conditions were more than a week ahead of normal. For December to February air temperatures are forecast to be normal to above normal except normal to below normal over a portion of the Labrador coast.
Freeze-up should be up to a week later than normal in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and in Newfoundland waters.
Figure 1: Air Temperature anomaly from June to August 2011 (NOAA)
Figure 2: Air temperature anomaly from September 1 to November 26 (NOAA)
| City | Normal Temperatures | Observed | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quebec | -0.4 | 3.1 | 3.5 |
| Sept-Iles | -2.8 | -1.3 | 1.5 |
| Gaspé | -0.4 | 2.1 | 2.5 |
| Sydney | 3.4 | 4.7 | 1.3 |
| Stephenville | 2.3 | 3.8 | 1.5 |
| St-John's | 2.6 | 3.3 | 0.7 |
| Gander | 1.0 | 1.8 | 0.8 |
| Cartwright | -2.3 | -1.3 | 1.0 |
| Goose Bay | -4.3 | -2.3 | 2.0 |
| Nain | -4.9 | -3.4 | 1.5 |
| Average | -0.6 | 1.1 | 1.6 |
Figure 3: Water temperature anomalies on November 23, 2012 (NOAA).
Figure 4: Expected ice conditions on January 1, 2012
Figure 5: Expected ice conditions on January 29, 2012.
Figure 6: Expected ice conditions on February 26, 2012.
Figure 7: Expected ice conditions on March 26, 2012.
Figure 8: Expected ice conditions on April 16, 2012
- Date Modified: