Tropical storm Arthur could mean a soggy weekend

Atlantic Canada is being put on notice as the first tropical storm of the season races up the eastern seaboard of the U.S.

Tropical storm Arthur, which was east of Florida on Wednesday, is forecast to gain the strength of a hurricane as it heads north.

• Weather: Updates from meteorologist Ryan Snoddon

CBC meteorologist Ryan Snoddonsaid Wednesday Arthur will transition into a post-tropical storm as it hits the cooler waters surrounding Newfoundland.

"It definitely won't have the impact of a hurricane as it works its way into our neck of the woods, but definitely a rain maker and definitely a wind maker," said Snoddon.

The western part of the island, as well as south eastern parts of Labrador, could be in for some rain Saturday night into Sunday morning.

"Eastern half of the island now looks to be more of the wind side of the storm, where we could see some gusts in the 70-90 kilometre per hour range, depending on the strength of the system once it gets here," he said.

He added the rain should stay away during the day in central Newfoundlandas Grand falls-Windsor ramps up for its annual Salmon Festival.

Environment Canada said Wednesday that a trough of low pressure will push Arthur's path towards Atlantic Canada, which could be in for a wet weekend.

"At this point the likelihood is for an offshore track which would lead to a primarily 'rain event' over land," Environment Canada's statement said.

"However it really is too early to rule out a direct impact - the nature of the trough approaching from the Great Lakes will make all the difference in Arthur's intensity and track as it moves northeastward."

The Canadian Hurricane Centre in Halifax is monitoring weather patterns and Arthur's path.