Josephine is bringing strong winds, rain and rough marine conditions to Atlantic Canada as the former subtropical storm moves across waters south of Nova Scotia and toward Newfoundland.
Environment and Climate Change Canada said Josephine had transitioned into a post-tropical system while intensifying over the Atlantic.
The storm’s centre is expected to remain offshore, but its broad wind field is affecting marine areas and producing rain and gusty winds in parts of the Maritimes and Newfoundland.
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What to expect on Friday, October 23
Southern Nova Scotia is expected to see periods of rain and gusty northeast winds as Josephine passes well offshore.
Halifax is forecast to remain cloudy with showers and very windy conditions, with a high near 8 C.
Parts of Cape Breton are also expected to remain windy, with periods of rain and temperatures near 6 C in Sydney.
Conditions should gradually improve as the system moves farther east.
In Newfoundland, the most unsettled weather is expected across southeastern areas. St. John’s is forecast to receive rain and strong winds Friday, with a high near 4 C and temperatures falling to about 2 C overnight.
Josephine weather forecast for Saturday
For Saturday, October 24, the storm’s direct effects should begin to ease across parts of Nova Scotia, although breezy conditions and lingering cloud cover are expected during the morning.
Halifax is forecast to become mostly sunny after a breezy start, with a high near 10 C.
Sydney should see decreasing cloud and continued breezy conditions, with a high near 8 C.
Newfoundland will remain unsettled for longer. St. John’s is forecast to see periods of rain and windy conditions in the morning before turning cloudy, brisk and cool during the afternoon, with a high near 5 C.
| Location | Friday, October 23 | Saturday, October 24 |
|---|---|---|
| Halifax | Cloudy, showers and very windy; high near 8 C | Breezy early, then sunnier; high near 10 C |
| Sydney | Rain and very windy conditions; high near 6 C | Cloud decreasing and breezy; high near 8 C |
| St. John’s | Rain and wind; high near 4 C | Morning rain and wind, then cloudy and cool; high near 5 C |
Marine warnings remain the main concern
The most serious conditions are expected over Atlantic marine zones rather than inland communities.
Environment Canada has issued storm and gale warnings for several waters near Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, with strong to storm-force winds and dangerous seas forecast in affected areas.
Marine forecasts called for hurricane-force winds in parts of the offshore Scotian Shelf and Georges Bank during the storm’s strongest phase.
Other waters, including areas around the Grand Banks, were under storm or gale warnings as Josephine moved northeastward.
Boaters and commercial operators should check the latest marine forecast for the Maritimes before leaving port.
Conditions can change quickly over open water, and the strongest winds may occur well away from the storm’s centre.
What happens next
Josephine is expected to continue moving eastward across the North Atlantic after crossing the waters south of Atlantic Canada.
Its influence on land should gradually weaken during Saturday, although wind and rain may persist longest in Newfoundland and nearby marine areas.
Residents should monitor updated alerts from Environment Canada and the Canadian Hurricane Centre, as well as National Hurricane Center advisories, particularly if they live near exposed coastlines or have travel plans involving ferries, coastal roads or small aircraft.
The system is not expected to make a direct landfall in Atlantic Canada based on the current forecast, but its large circulation is still capable of producing hazardous winds, high waves and localized coastal impacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Josephine bringing to Atlantic Canada?
Josephine is bringing rain, strong winds and rough marine conditions, with the greatest hazards over offshore waters.
Will Josephine make landfall in Atlantic Canada?
The current forecast keeps the system offshore, although its broad wind field is affecting parts of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.
What will the weather be like Saturday, October 24?
Nova Scotia should see improving conditions and sunshine after a breezy start, while Newfoundland may have morning rain, wind and cool temperatures.
Which areas are under the greatest weather risk?
Marine zones south and east of Nova Scotia and around Newfoundland face the strongest winds and roughest seas.
Where can residents check updates?
Residents should follow the latest alerts and forecasts from Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Canadian Hurricane Centre.
Fact-Checked: Temporal review completed against the authoritative newsroom clock for Friday, October 23, 2026 at 1:00 a.m. EDT. Friday, October 23, 2026 and Saturday, October 24, 2026 are correctly paired. Environment and Climate Change Canada reported on Thursday, October 22, 2026 that Josephine was expected to transition to a non-tropical system later that day, so the article was updated to state that it had transitioned. ([beta.weather.gc.ca](https://beta.weather.gc.ca/hurricane/statements_e.html))
Disclaimer: Forecasts can change quickly, especially over coastal and marine areas, so readers should check official alerts before travelling or going on the water.