In the novel The Shipping News weather played in an important role.  Weather was the cause of many unfortunate situations such as the death of Jack Buggit's son, Jesson, and the loss of Quoyle's house.  Like in the novel, weather has played an enormous part of Newfoundland's history.  From the monthly snow storms, to the death of many fisherman, to the sinking of the Ocean Ranger, weather is a part of our culture.  The Newfoundland fisherman has to pursue his vocation in wind and sea, and generations of wisdom in forecasting storms have been handed down to him through the centuries.  He has to foretell from nature just when favourable opportunity will present itself so that ventures to fishing ledges far from shore may be made with impunity.  Also he has to predict rain so that fish may be spread when long periods of sunshine are practically certain.  He knows the wind and the ocean currents that offer the best conditions for a good catch, and he is familiar in his own way with the humidity of the atmosphere that is an adverse factor in the drying process.  Below are some of the more common signs of good and bad weather as long as observed and religiously depended upon.

Red sky at night, sailor's delight.  Red sky in the morning sailors take warning.
(a red sunset is a sign of fine weather and a red dawn is a sign of rain and storm)

Brilliant Northern Lights foretell a fine day and then a storm.

Hoar frost in autumn is a sign of south wind and rain.

When gulls fly high, stormy weather may be expected.

When goats come home from the hills, expect rain soon.

When distant hills appear near, rainy weather is coming.

Rote from the shore on a calm night indicates wind from that direction the following day.

After the sun crosses the line in September, watch the wind and weather for the following days.  Each day is said to forecast the weather for the individual months ahead.

When the wind shifts against the sun, trust it not for back 'twill run.

When the wind is in the east 'tis neither good for man nor beast.

Mackerel sky and mares' tails make the sailor furl his sails.

Watch the new moon.  If you can hang a powder horn on the lower rim of the crescent, it is a sign of stormy weather.

The following are common signs of rain:
Soot falling to the ground
Dogs sleeping through the day
Spiders very active
Rheumatic pains with elderly people

To dream of horses is a sign with sailormen that storms will come.

When cats are very playful they are said to "gale up the weather."
 

Reference
English, L.E.F. Historic Newfoundland and Labrador Province of NFLD. & Lab., 1955.