Mix of Wet and Wintry Weather on the Way for the Maritimes, Bringing More than 20cm of Snow to Parts of New Brunswick

/

NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

More snow is on its way for New Brunswick and in a similar fashion to last week’s storm, Nova Scotia can once again expect mostly rain with the possibility of a bit of snow mixed in. The incoming system will be a mix of an Alberta clipper coming through Ontario and a secondary low from New England, and it will be another short blast of winter for the region, with the entire event spanning 24 hours.

Things will start off around midnight tonight as snow from the Clipper pushes its way into New Brunswick. As the snow spreads eastward across the province through the early morning hours, the low from the States will merge with the Clipper, which will funnel even more moisture northward from the Gulf. This secondary source of precipitation will reach Western Nova Scotia in the pre-dawn hours. The merging of these two systems will result in some intensification starting later in the morning, leading to heavier snow and rain across the region.

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia will once again find itself in the warm sector of this storm, leading to precipitation falling mostly as rain for the duration of this event. However, there is a chance for some snow showers since temperatures will be hovering just above the freezing mark in some areas along the leading edge of the storm. Unfortunately for snow lovers, no real snow accumulation is expected from this storm, with temperatures climbing throughout the day and resulting in any snow transitioning to rain. The exception to this is, once again, in the higher elevations of Cape Breton where temperatures will remain below 0°C until Thursday evening, leading to 5-10cm of snow. Widespread rainfall totals across the rest of the province are expected to be in the 20-40mm range.

New Brunswick

On the other hand, New Brunswick can expect to need the shovels at some point on Thursday. The snow from the Clipper will push its way across the province throughout the early morning, but as the rain reaches Nova Scotia, it will also push into the Fundy Coast area, limiting snowfall accumulation along this stretch. Once the two systems merge and the storm intensifies, snowfall rates could approach 3cm per hour in the afternoon across Central and Northern New Brunswick, leading to widespread snow accumulations above 10cm. In the early and mid-afternoon, warm air will wrap around the backside of the storm, resulting in a transition from snow to rain that will push northeastward into the evening. Temperatures will fall overnight, but the warm air, along with the rain, will result in the melting of some of the fresh snow across most of the province.

Prince Edward Island

The leading edge of the precipitation will reach Prince Edward Island around noon on Thursday, with some light snow that will last for several hours. This will bring up to 5cm of snow across the Island before the warm air moves in and the snow switches over to rain. Similar to New Brunswick, the warm air and rain will melt most, if not all, of the freshly fallen snow across the province throughout the evening.

The storm will start to dissipate in the early afternoon, with the arrival of the warm air in New Brunswick and it will fully exit the region shortly midnight and into Friday morning. There could still be some lingering flurries or pockets of light rain throughout early Friday morning.

'Snow Day' Forecast: Heavy Snow on Wednesday May Cancel Some School Buses in Southern Ontario

/

NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

An Alberta Clipper is set to move into Southern Ontario early Wednesday, bringing the potential for 20-30 cm of snow in some areas. Snow squalls will also persist northeast of Georgian Bay, as well as near Lakes Erie and Ontario, during the morning hours.

The anticipated impact on Wednesday morning’s commute, combined with potential disruptions to the afternoon commute, will likely lead some school boards to cancel school buses. While there is still some uncertainty about how widespread these cancellations will be, certain areas have a higher probability of being affected.

There is a 90% chance of a “snow day” for the Bruce Peninsula and areas northeast of Georgian Bay. This includes the entire Near North District School Board (NNDSB), which is known to be highly cautious regarding weather conditions. The expected snow squalls in these areas are likely to meet the criteria for bus cancellations.

For the rest of Central Ontario, parts of Eastern Ontario, and rural areas of Southwestern Ontario, the probability of school bus cancellations ranges from 50% to 75%. Confidence is slightly lower in these regions because much of the snow is expected to fall after morning cancellation decisions are made. Additionally, Environment Canada has gone with winter travel advisories, which may not carry enough weight for some school boards to cancel buses proactively.

The likelihood of cancellations increases in areas forecasted to experience snow squalls or where blowing snow advisories are in effect. This includes regions along the shorelines of Lakes Huron, Ontario, and Erie, where reduced visibility and challenging travel conditions are expected.

In contrast, urban school boards in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are unlikely to cancel buses, as the forecasted conditions are not expected to meet the higher thresholds typically required for urban cancellations. We’ve assigned a slim 5-10% chance to account for the possibility of an unexpected decision by one of the boards, but this remains highly improbable.

Similarly, Deep Southwestern Ontario—including Sarnia, Windsor, and Chatham—is unlikely to see school bus cancellations, as these areas are forecasted to receive less than 5 cm of snow from this system. Conditions there are not expected to be severe enough to warrant disruptions.

Disclaimer: Instant Weather has zero authority when it comes to bus and school closures. It is completely up to the school boards, bus companies, local authorities, and parents to decide what is best for their children. This is our best guess based on our forecast.

Alberta Clipper to Bring a Snowy Blast to Southern Ontario on Wednesday With Up to 20cm Possible; Snowbelt Region Could See Up to 50cm

/

NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

The snowy landscape across Southern Ontario is quickly transforming as a multi-day snow squall event has blanketed parts of the snowbelt regions with over 100 cm of snow.

While the intense accumulation has primarily impacted areas around Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, the rest of Southern Ontario will soon have their turn as a weather system moves into the region on Wednesday.

This system-related snowfall will likely combine with lake enhancement and embedded snow squalls, resulting in higher accumulations in the snowbelt areas that are still digging out from the weekend’s relentless snowfall.

By Thursday morning, some snowbelt regions could see an additional 30-50 cm of snow. Meanwhile, a general 5-15 cm of snow is expected across much of Southern Ontario, including parts of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), which has experienced minimal snowfall so far this season.

The Alberta clipper responsible for this system began pushing into Northwestern Ontario from Manitoba on Tuesday afternoon. Moderate to heavy snow will continue spreading across Northern Ontario through the evening and overnight.

NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

In Northern Ontario, we expected the highest snowfall totals to be found east of Lake Superior stretching from Wawa down to Sault Ste. Marie. Snowfall totals of between 30 to 50cm are possible thanks to the system-related snowfall and snow squalls off Lake Superior.

Other areas around the Georgian Bay shoreline extending into Sudbury could be looking at around 20cm of snowfall accumulation. This will also be the case south of Lake Nipigon which could see some lake enhancement between Thunder Bay and Geardton.

The rest of Northeastern Ontario is looking at around 10 to 15cm with locally up to 20cm. Less than 10cm is expected for Northwestern Ontario including Thunder Bay.

PRECIPITATION TYPE - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

Ahead of the system, lake effect snow has already started to intensify, beginning with Lake Superior on Tuesday afternoon. By Tuesday evening, snow squalls are expected to organize off Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, primarily targeting the Bruce Peninsula and areas northeast of Georgian Bay, such as Parry Sound, Britt, and North Bay. These snow squalls are likely to persist through the night into Wednesday morning.

Additional lake effect snow could develop off Lake Erie and Lake Ontario during the early morning hours of Wednesday, potentially drifting into the southern Niagara region and Prince Edward County. While this activity may cause reduced visibility and locally heavy snowfall, the squalls are not expected to remain stationary for long, limiting overall accumulation.

PRECIPITATION TYPE - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

As the system reaches Southern Ontario around sunrise on Wednesday, the existing lake effect snow bands are expected to merge with the system’s light to moderate snowfall. This merging could enhance snow totals, particularly off the northern shorelines of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Narrow bands of heavy snow could stretch across the Niagara region and into parts of Central and Eastern Ontario, leading to significant variations in snowfall accumulations.

Snow totals will likely vary substantially due to localized banding caused by lake enhancement. Some areas may see only 5 cm, while nearby locations could receive 15-20 cm, depending on where the snow bands develop.

Another key factor with this system will be strong wind gusts, ranging from 50-70 km/h across Southern Ontario, beginning Wednesday morning and continuing throughout the day. These winds, combined with steady snowfall, could create blowing snow and reduced visibility, making travel hazardous. With this being the first significant snowfall event of the season outside the snowbelt, drivers are urged to exercise caution.

PRECIPITATION TYPE - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

While the system is expected to exit Southern Ontario by late Wednesday, snow squall activity will persist off Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. An intense squall is projected to develop off Georgian Bay late Wednesday evening, stretching inland toward Midland, Orillia, and Gravenhurst, and continuing into the early hours of Thursday.

PRECIPITATION TYPE - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

By Thursday morning, shifting winds will push the Georgian Bay squall southward toward Collingwood and Angus. This squall may extend far inland at times, impacting the Highway 400 corridor between Vaughan and Barrie, as well as parts of the northern GTA. Meanwhile, a Lake Huron squall is anticipated to stretch from Goderich through Grand Bend and into the London area.

Significant snowfall could occur on Thursday if these squalls remain stationary for an extended period. Current models suggest they may not weaken until late Thursday night or early Friday morning, potentially producing intense snowfall rates for over 24 hours.

NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

Regarding snowfall totals, the uneven distribution caused by lake enhancement means localized accumulations will vary widely. The highest confidence lies in regions northeast of Georgian Bay, including Parry Sound, Sundridge, Britt, and North Bay, where 30-50 cm of snow is expected, with localized amounts possibly exceeding those totals due to snow squalls.

Surrounding areas, such as Muskoka and Orillia, could see 20-30 cm of snow by Thursday morning, accounting for system snow, lake enhancement, and snow squall activity. Similarly, areas east of Lake Huron could see totals ranging from 20-30 cm.

In Central and Eastern Ontario, widespread snowfall is likely to range from 10-15 cm, except for the Ottawa Valley, where accumulations may be closer to 5 cm. Lake enhancement could push some areas along the northern shorelines of Lake Ontario and Prince Edward County closer to 20 cm.

For regions such as Kitchener, Woodstock, Guelph, and Barrie, snowfall totals are projected to reach 10-15 cm. However, variability due to lake enhancement may result in some areas seeing lower amounts. The GTA is expected to receive closer to 5 cm, while the Niagara region could accumulate 5-10 cm, with localized heavier bands of snow influenced by Lake Erie.

In Deep Southwestern Ontario, snowfall amounts will decrease westward, with London forecasted to receive around 10 cm. Further southwest, including Sarnia, Windsor, and Chatham, totals are expected to remain under 5 cm.

It’s important to note that these totals do not account for the snow squalls expected to impact areas southeast of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay beginning Thursday morning. High-resolution models are still refining the locations of these squalls, but additional accumulations of 30-50 cm are possible in affected areas. Stay tuned for a detailed update in a separate forecast.

Steep Drop in Temperatures Will Lead to Flash Freeze Risk This Evening and Freezing Rain Into Wednesday

/

NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

It’s been a bit of a weather roller coaster across Southern and Central Alberta over the past several days, with snow and frigid Arctic air late last week to single digit temperatures, melting snow and even some rain falling in the Northern Rockies.

Now, temperatures are expected to plummet later this evening, leading to a risk for a flash freeze along with freezing rain across a swath of the province continuing throughout the day tomorrow.

Warm temperatures across Central and Southern Alberta in the single digits have resulted in the melting of some of the existing snowpack. On top of this, precipitation has already begun to push into the Northern Rockies region of Alberta from British Columbia as a mix of rain and snow this afternoon.

As the precipitation pushes deeper into the province and temperatures quickly fall to just below the freezing mark this evening, not only will the melted snow and slush rapidly freeze, the rain will also transition over to freezing rain, creating very icy conditions. This patch of freezing rain will remain fairly stationary around Grande Prairie into Wednesday morning, leading to ice accretions up to 5mm. At this point, the entire system will begin to push southeastward across the province, bringing light freezing rain along a narrow track throughout the day, adding to the already icy conditions expected from the flash freeze.

To the north of this freezing rain, where temperatures will be slightly cooler, light snow is expected to fall. Snowfall accumulations will also be limited with this system and a widespread 5-10cm is expected.

'A Conveyor Belt of Snow’; How Lake Effect Snow Can Bury Entire Towns in a Matter of Days

/

satellite image of lake effect snow over the Great Lakes, courtesy of the national weather service.

Following the incredible snowfall seen in Sault Ste. Marie and across parts of Muskoka over the weekend, we figured this would be the perfect opportunity to discuss lake effect snow. It’s something that many of us in Ontario have come to expect in the late fall and early winter, especially since we’re surrounded by the Great Lakes.

Certain ingredients are required for lake effect snow to occur, but most importantly, there needs to be an unfrozen body of water and a very cold air mass from the Arctic.

In order for lake effect snow to even start to form, there needs to be a temperature difference of at least 13°C between the warm surface of the lake and the 850mb pressure level of the atmosphere (this is typically found at around 1500 metres). The greater the temperature difference, the more unstable the atmosphere becomes and this is often when we see strong convection and the phenomenon known as thundersnow. Without this difference in temperature, lake effect snow simply can not occur. Once this threshold is reached, however, it’s like a switch being flipped and the lake effect snow machine starts.

Another key component in lake effect snow development is moisture. Ideally, the relative humidity at the surface needs to be at least 80% for lake effect snow to form and levels below 70% could actually inhibit development. It can usually be assumed that the lake itself can provide enough moisture, but this is not always true. There also needs to be limited wind shear with height between the surface and the 700mb pressure level so that the moisture is more focused, sort of like a hose. The strongest, most organized bands of lake effect snow develop when the wind shear is less than 30°.

Finally is the concept known as “fetch”. Yes, millennials, we’re trying to make fetch happen. Fetch is the distance that the air mass travels over the lake. Fetch needs to be at least 100km in order for lake effect snow to develop and the greater the fetch, the more snow is produced. When considering prevailing wind directions, the traditional snowbelts are found in areas that are downwind of the greatest possible fetch over the Great Lakes, i.e. Buffalo and the entire length of Lake Erie.

The creation of lake Effect Snow. Courtesy of Environment Canada.

When all of these conditions are met, we can see how lake effect snow actually develops.

As the cold air mass travels over the much warmer surface of the lake, the warmth and moisture from the surface is transferred into the lower atmosphere. The warmer, moister air rises and it eventually cools and condenses, forming narrow bands of clouds. These clouds continue to travel over the open lake, gathering even more moisture, until they eventually reach land and the snow starts to fall at rates that can easily exceed 5cm per hour and could even be as high as 20cm per hour! It’s important to note that the hardest hit areas are actually not found immediately at the shoreline, but rather 30-50km inland from the lake.

The direction of the winds dictates which areas are hit by the lake effect snow so as long as the ideal conditions continue, so too will the development and subsequent falling of lake effect snow. This could lead to several days of heavy snow hitting the same area while there are sunny skies less than 20km away. A slight shift in wind direction can quickly change which area gets hit and that makes lake effect snow notoriously tough to forecast.

'Snow Day' Forecast: Tuesday Is Likely to Bring Another Round of School Bus Cancellations in Southwestern Ontario

/

NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

The seemingly endless potential for snow squalls is set to persist through Monday evening and into Tuesday morning. This round will primarily affect the eastern and southern shorelines of Lake Huron, where an additional 10 to 25 cm of snow is expected overnight. These conditions will likely lead to more school bus cancellations in areas already impacted on Monday.

.Meanwhile, the cleanup continues in the Muskoka region following the intense snow squalls that dumped over 100 cm of snow on Bracebridge and Gravenhurst over the weekend. The Trillium Lakelands District School Board has announced that ONLY schools in Gravenhurst will remain closed on Tuesday, while buses serving the Bracebridge area will not be running.

Schools and transportation services in Huntsville will operate as usual. We’ve marked this region as "Already Cancelled" on our map, as the school board rarely issues sub-regional cancellations. For precise details, check the official announcement linked here.

For weather-related cancellations elsewhere, the strongest likelihood of a "snow day" is in AMDSB (Exeter), with a 90% probability due to expected intense snowfall accumulation overnight.

Surrounding areas, including BWDSB (Southampton and Kincardine), AMDSB (Goderich and Stratford), TVDSB (Middlesex and London), and LKDSB (Lambton), have a 50/50 to strong chance of school bus cancellations, as these regions could see notable snowfall and challenging travel conditions.

There’s also a 50/50 chance of cancellations in BWDSB (Meaford) and the "West" weather zone of Simcoe County due to potential snow squall activity off Georgian Bay. However, there is less confidence in whether the snowfall will be intense enough to disrupt transportation.

For the rest of Southern Ontario, school bus cancellations on Tuesday are unlikely. That said, attention is already shifting to Wednesday, as a developing weather system could bring widespread snowfall accumulation, with the potential to significantly impact some areas.

This may lead to school bus cancellations midweek. Stay tuned for our ‘snow day’ forecast on Tuesday afternoon!

Disclaimer: Instant Weather has zero authority when it comes to bus and school closures. It is completely up to the school boards, bus companies, local authorities, and parents to decide what is best for their children. This is our best guess based on our forecast.

'Snow Day' Forecast: Widespread School Bus Cancellations Likely on Monday Around Lake Huron and Georgian Bay

/

NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

Intense snow squalls continue to pound the snowbelt regions surrounding Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, persisting through the weekend and expected to last into Monday. Environment Canada has issued widespread snow squall warnings, forecasting an additional 30 to 50 cm of snow by Tuesday.

Given these conditions, it seems highly likely that many school boards in the hardest-hit areas will cancel buses on Monday morning. Travel will remain hazardous throughout the day, making it nearly impossible to operate school buses safely.

The highest confidence for cancellations lies along the Eastern Lake Huron and Southern Georgian Bay shorelines, affecting boards like AMDSB (Goderich and Exeter) and BWDSB (Kincardine and Meaford). In these regions, there is a 90% chance of a "snow day" on Monday.

For Trillium (Muskoka), there’s also a 90% likelihood of cancellations. While no significant additional snowfall is expected overnight, the extensive cleanup from previous snowfalls and the continued closure of the major highway in the region will likely make bus travel unfeasible.

UPDATE (6:15 PM): Trillium Lakelands DSB has announced that schools in the Muskoka region will be closed on Monday.

Similarly, NNDSB (Parry Sound) and Trillium (Haliburton) face potential cancellations, but with lower probabilities of 50% and 25%, respectively, as these areas were not as severely impacted.

Surrounding areas, including TVDSB (Middlesex), AMDSB (Stratford and Listowel), BWDSB (Southampton, Owen Sound, and Hanover), and the "West" weather zone for Simcoe County, have a 75% chance of seeing buses canceled due to lingering squall activity and ongoing poor travel conditions.

Outside the core snowbelt regions, the likelihood of cancellations decreases significantly. For the "North" and "Central" weather zones in Simcoe County, there’s a 50/50 chance of a snow day. While the brunt of the lake-effect snow is expected to remain closer to Georgian Bay, Environment Canada’s snow squall warnings could still prompt precautionary cancellations.

The chances are also 50/50 in London and Oxford County, where snow squall activity is less certain to intensify enough to justify cancellations. Urban boards like these often have higher thresholds for cancellations compared to rural regions.

For the remainder of Southern Ontario, school bus cancellations are unlikely, as the worst conditions are expected to remain confined to the typical snowbelt areas.

Disclaimer: Instant Weather has zero authority when it comes to bus and school closures. It is completely up to the school boards, bus companies, local authorities, and parents to decide what is best for their children. This is our best guess based on our forecast.

Snow Squalls Continue to Paralyze Ontario’s Snowbelt With Another 25-50cm of Snow by Monday

/

NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

It may have been a slow start to the winter season across Southern Ontario, but November is certainly ending with a bang. Above-average lake temperatures have fueled intense lake-effect snow squalls that have pummeled the snowbelt regions over the past few days.

As of Saturday evening, some of the hardest-hit areas, including Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, and Hanover, have reported snowfall totals ranging from 50 to 100 cm, with localized pockets even exceeding the 100 cm mark! This has led to massive issues on the roads as dozens of drivers were left stranded on Hwy 11 south of Gravenhurst due to extreme snowfall accumulation.

But the snowy barrage is far from over for these regions. By the time the squalls wind down late Monday, an additional 25 to 50 cm of snow could accumulate around areas east of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay.

Currently, intense snow squall activity is ongoing east of both lakes, with a focus on the Bala-to-Bracebridge corridor and the Tiverton-to-Walkerton stretch. These squalls are expected to remain mostly stationary overnight, with snowfall rates reaching 5 to 10 cm per hour. This could add another 25 to 50 cm of snow in already heavily affected areas by Sunday morning.

By Sunday morning, a shift in wind direction is anticipated, pushing the squalls further south. The Georgian Bay squall will likely bring a quick but intense blast of snow to Midland, Orillia, and Barrie. Meanwhile, the squall near Hanover is expected to dissipate by late morning, only to be replaced by a more robust squall moving in from the north, targeting Owen Sound and Kincardine.

PRECIPITATION TYPE - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

This northern squall could stretch far enough inland to reach areas like Orangeville and perhaps even the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) by mid-afternoon. Although it won't last long enough to produce significant accumulation, it could lead to a sudden reduction in visibility and a quick 2 to 5 cm of snow. Similarly, Kitchener and Guelph may experience a few hours of heavy snow as the squall moves through.

PRECIPITATION TYPE - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

By Sunday evening, the squalls are expected to settle southeast of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. Collingwood and Meaford are likely to find themselves in the crosshairs of the Georgian Bay squall, while the Lake Huron squall will stretch from Goderich along the shoreline to Grand Bend and inland towards areas north of London.

According to the latest model data, the Georgian Bay squall may remain closer to the shoreline, potentially sparing Barrie and the Hwy 400 corridor from the heaviest snow.

However, London might not be as fortunate. The Lake Huron squall could extend into the city at times during the overnight hours and into early Monday. That said, the most intense snowfall rates are expected to stay north of London, impacting areas like Exeter, St. Marys, and Stratford.

Snow squall activity will persist throughout Monday and possibly into the overnight hours before tapering off late Tuesday morning. This will coincide with the arrival of a system from the west that could bring more widespread snowfall to parts of Southern Ontario. Details on that system will be shared in a separate forecast.

As is typical with snow squalls, snowfall totals will vary significantly depending on where the squalls settle. There is high confidence that regions in Muskoka and along much of the eastern Lake Huron shoreline will see an additional 25 to 50 cm of snow on top of what has already fallen.

Northwest of London, models indicate the Lake Huron squall could stall over the area from Sunday evening through Tuesday morning, potentially leading to localized totals exceeding 50 cm. Confidence in this scenario remains low, so we’ve held off from including it in our snowfall map for now.

The City of London is forecast to receive 15 to 25 cm of snow from the southern tip of the Lake Huron squall. However, there is potential for slightly higher totals depending on how far the squall extends inland.

The southern shoreline of Georgian Bay, including Collingwood and Meaford, is expected to see 25 to 50 cm of snow, with higher amounts likely in elevated areas such as Blue Mountain—great news for ski enthusiasts!

Simcoe County, including Barrie and Orillia, is forecast to receive lesser amounts, with 5 to 15 cm (possibly up to 20 cm) expected during the morning and afternoon hours on Sunday. Kitchener and Woodstock could also see 5 to 10 cm of snow from the Lake Huron squall.

Outside these core regions, snowfall will be minimal, with most areas receiving less than 5 cm. We are keeping an eye on the southern Niagara region and Prince Edward County, which could potentially be grazed by snow squall activity that is currently expected to remain south of the border. If it does drift north, localized totals of 5 to 10 cm could develop in areas like Fort Erie, Port Colborne, and Picton.

Another Night of Extreme Cold on Tap, Warnings Extend into Manitoba for Tonight as Windchills Reach -40°C Over a Wider Area

/

NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

The extreme cold continues across the Prairies with overnight lows dipping below -20°C across a large part of the region and lower than -30°C in Central Saskatchewan once again tonight and into tomorrow morning.

This intense cold poses a risk to everyone, especially young children, the elderly, individuals with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, and those without adequate shelter. Symptoms of cold exposure, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness, and colour change in fingers and toes, should be monitored closely.

Winds overnight tonight are expected to remain similar to last night, peaking at around 10-15km/h, but they are expected to be more widespread. These light winds will easily push the windchill below -40°C over a larger area, resulting in Environment Canada issuing more Extreme Cold Warnings for tonight.

At these temperatures, frostbite can occur in as little as 30 minutes so it is crucial to cover up when going out and limiting exposure all together. It’s also wise to keep emergency supplies in your vehicle, including extra blankets and jumper cables, in case of an emergency.

It appears that Saskatchewan and Manitoba could see a bit of a reprieve tomorrow night, with the coldest air expected to be found in Alberta instead.

UPDATE: Squalls on Track to Bury Parts of Ontario’s Snowbelt in Up to 100cm of Snow by Saturday

/

NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

Confidence remains high for a very impactful snow squall event, which began east of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron Thursday evening. By the end of Saturday, some parts of the snowbelt region could be digging out of up to 50 to 100cm of snow!

Intense snow squall activity is expected to persist throughout Friday, with two primary squalls forming off Georgian Bay. The southern squall looks to settle between Honey Harbour and MacTier, extending inland toward the Highway 11 corridor from Washago to Bracebridge. This squall may reach as far inland as Haliburton and potentially Bancroft at times.

The second squall is projected to stretch across the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, coming onshore near Parry Sound. Unlike the southern squall, this one may not push as far inland, meaning Huntsville could see lighter impacts compared to areas like Bracebridge and Gravenhurst.

Snow squalls will also persist east of Lake Huron, with the most significant activity setting up just south of Hanover. Higher totals inland can be attributed to colder temperatures in elevated areas, where snow will accumulate more efficiently, compared to the slightly above-freezing conditions closer to the shoreline.

As Friday progresses, models suggest a brief wind shift by the evening, potentially driving the Georgian Bay squall south of Muskoka and into parts of northern Simcoe County.

There is some uncertainty about how far south this squall will drift, but most models suggest it will impact Midland, areas just north of Orillia, and into Rama. Within Orillia, accumulation could vary significantly, with lower totals in the south and much higher amounts in the north, reflecting the sharp gradient shown on our map.

By Saturday morning, the squall is expected to shift back north, realigning across the Parry Sound and Muskoka region. However, this time, it may consolidate into a singular band stretching from Parry Sound into northern Muskoka. This could spare Gravenhurst and Bracebridge from heavy snowfall on a second day, while Huntsville might see more snow as the squall locks into place for much of Saturday.

IMPORTANT

To provide the most accurate information, we are now breaking the snowfall totals into two separate forecasts. This forecast covers Friday and Saturday, while a second forecast will address Sunday and Monday and will be released on Saturday.

Our earlier forecast covered the entire four-day period and was intentionally broad to account for a wide range of possibilities. If the snowfall totals for your area are lower than what we initially predicted, it’s likely because your snow will fall later on Sunday or Monday.

As we’ve emphasized in previous updates, snow squalls are notoriously difficult to predict, with sharp gradients between areas of light snow and those with extreme accumulations.

In terms of snowfall totals, localized amounts are likely to exceed 50 cm and may even approach 100 cm by the end of Saturday in areas like Parry Sound, Bracebridge, and Gravenhurst. Similar totals are possible for Tobermory and Hanover.

Owen Sound and Collingwood could also experience heavy snow from a Lake Huron streamer, with higher elevations aiding accumulation. These areas could see snowfall ranging from 25 to 50 cm in the most affected zones.

Given the tight gradients, snowfall totals will decrease quickly as you move away from the primary snow squalls. Expect 15 to 30 cm across much of Grey-Bruce counties, northern Simcoe County, northern Kawartha Lakes, and Haliburton (excluding the heaviest-hit areas mentioned earlier).

For the rest of Southern Ontario, less than 5 cm is expected by the end of Saturday. However, regions like Barrie, Kitchener-Waterloo, and London could see some snowfall accumulation on Sunday and Monday as the winds shift late Saturday. So, if you’re hoping for snow in those areas, don’t give up yet!

Stay tuned for more updates, including our next detailed forecast on Saturday!

First Extreme Cold Air of the Season to Settle Across the Prairies Over the Coming Days, Overnight Lows Dipping Below -30°C

/

NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

While it has been quite cool across the Prairies this week on the backside of last weekend’s storm, it’s about to get even colder over the next few days. The first of this extreme cold will be experienced overnight Thursday and Friday morning. A large swath of the Prairies will have overnight lows below -20°C tonight while parts of Central Saskatchewan will see temperatures dipping below -30°C, prompting the first Extreme Cold Warnings of the season from Environment Canada that includes Saskatoon.

This intense cold poses a risk to everyone, especially young children, the elderly, individuals with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, and those without adequate shelter. Symptoms of cold exposure, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness, and colour change in fingers and toes, should be monitored closely.

Winds overnight are expected to top out at around 10-15km/h and while this is just a light breeze, it’ll be enough to drive the windchill well below -40°C in the coldest areas. At these temperatures, frostbite can occur in as little as 30 minutes so it is crucial to cover up when going out and limiting exposure all together. It’s also wise to keep emergency supplies in your vehicle, including extra blankets and jumper cables, in case of an emergency.

We will continue to provide updates over the coming days as these cold temperatures persist.

'Snow Day' Forecast: Snow Squalls Likely to Cancel School Buses on Friday in Parts of Central and Southwestern Ontario

/

NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

A multi-day snow squall event is set to begin Thursday evening, targeting regions east of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. Intense snowfall rates exceeding 5 cm per hour, coupled with near-zero visibility, are expected to make travel nearly impossible throughout Friday and well into the weekend.

Environment Canada has already issued strongly worded snow squall warnings for the Parry Sound, Muskoka, and Grey-Bruce regions. These warnings highlight the potential for road closures due to hazardous conditions.

Based on these forecasts, it’s highly likely that school boards in the affected areas will cancel school buses on Friday. In fact, given the severity of the conditions, some school closures may also occur.

Areas Most Likely to See Bus Cancellations
The following school boards are almost guaranteed to experience a “snow day” on Friday: TLDSB (Muskoka), NNDSB (Parry Sound), and BWDSB (Bruce Peninsula). This prediction aligns with the areas currently under snow squall warnings and the forecasted weather conditions during Friday morning’s decision-making window.

There is also a strong 75% chance of school bus cancellations for Southampton and Kincardine, part of BWDSB, as well as for East Parry Sound under NNDSB.

Outside of these core areas, the likelihood of school bus cancellations decreases significantly. We estimate a 50% chance for the following areas: TLDSB (Haliburton), Simcoe County (North Weather Zone), and the inland portions of BWDSB, which include Hanover, Owen Sound, and Meaford.

A similar probability applies to RDSB (Manitoulin Island), where snow squall warnings are in effect. However, the rest of RDSB, including Sudbury, is unlikely to see cancellations as the main squall activity is not expected to reach those areas.

For surrounding school boards across Central Ontario and parts of Southwestern Ontario, the chances of school bus cancellations are slim, ranging between 5% and 25%.

While most of the impacts will remain concentrated in the snowbelt regions, there’s always a small possibility of localized cancellations depending on shifting conditions.

Disclaimer: Instant Weather has zero authority when it comes to bus and school closures. It is completely up to the school boards, bus companies, local authorities, and parents to decide what is best for their children. This is our best guess based on our forecast.

First Taste of Winter With Up to 30cm of Snow for Parts of the Maritimes, More Rain in Nova Scotia

/

NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

As November comes to an end, the first winter storm of the season is headed for the Maritimes. Over the past few days, we’ve been monitoring the development of a potent winter storm in the U.S. that’s expected to track into the region through New England on Thursday.

Until Wednesday morning, there had been considerable disagreement between weather models regarding the exact track of the storm through the Maritimes and where the heaviest snow would fall. As the event has gotten closer, these models have started to come into agreement and now we have a clearer picture of what is on its way.

Precipitation will push into Southern New Brunswick starting Thursday afternoon. As the storm makes its way into the region, the precipitation will start off as rain in both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia before the snow starts to make its way into New Brunswick and eventually crosses into Cumberland County, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. This means that most of the Maritimes can expect to receive a few hours of rain before the arrival of any snow. This storm will have a warm sector along its southern side, with temperatures remaining in the single digits, resulting in precipitation falling as rain across most of Nova Scotia for the duration of the event.

Both the rain and snow will start to intensify later in the evening, at which time the edge of the storm will reach PEI. Snowfall rates of up to 5cm/hr are likely at times in Central and Northeast New Brunswick overnight and into Friday morning, leading over 20cm of snow accumulation in a span of 12 hours.

In Nova Scotia, on the other hand, widespread rainfall amounts of 10-30mm are expected, adding to what has already been a very wet month for parts of the province. The Annapolis Valley and the Northhumberland Shore could see a brief transition from rain to light snow overnight with temperatures approaching the freezing mark, but little to no accumulation is expected. Meanwhile, the air in the higher elevations of the Cape Breton Highlands will be cool enough for snow to fall for the duration of the storm and the area can expect 5-10cm.

In Prince Edward Island, the heavy snowfall will cross into Prince County shortly after midnight, which will lead to higher snowfall totals in that part of the Island. We’re expecting to see some warmer air getting wrapped into the backside of the storm in the early morning hours of Friday, leading to a transition from rain to snow across Southern New Brunswick and into Cumberland County and PEI and limiting the snowfall totals in these areas as the storm continues to track through the Maritimes.

The rain is expected to start to taper off in Western Nova Scotia in these early morning hours, gradually ending across the province through the morning. The rest of the storm will then begin to exit the region just before sunrise with the precipitation eventually ending by mid-afternoon in Northeast New Brunswick.

Intense Snow Squalls Could Bring Up to 50-100cm of Snow to Parts of Ontario This Weekend

/

NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

As we approach the first day of meteorological winter this Sunday, Ontario is preparing for a substantial blast of snow squalls that will make the season's arrival unmistakable. Beginning Thursday in Northern Ontario and Friday in Southern Ontario, persistent squalls are set to bury parts of the traditional snowbelt regions under as much as 50-100 cm of snow by the end of the weekend.

The first extended period of cold air has settled over Ontario, combining with the warm waters of the Great Lakes to create ideal conditions for lake effect snow. Parry Sound and Muskoka got a preview of what’s to come, waking up to a winter wonderland on Wednesday morning. While the lake effect snow machine has temporarily quieted as winds shift, it’s poised to roar back to life over the next several days.

Snow squall activity will restart as early as Thursday morning in Northern Ontario, with an intense band developing off Lake Superior. This narrow and powerful squall is expected to affect the corridor between Wawa and Sault Ste. Marie through Thursday and into Friday. Snowfall rates could reach up to 5 cm per hour, and if the band lingers over one area for an extended time, accumulation will add up quickly.

On Thursday, a system moving up the Northeastern U.S. will brush Southern Ontario. Most of the precipitation is expected to remain on the U.S. side of the border, but some areas in Ontario, including parts of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Niagara region, could see light mixed precipitation or even their first flurries of the season. Little to no accumulation is expected, but slushy road conditions may develop for the Thursday morning commute.

As the system exits, winds will shift to a westerly or northwesterly direction late Thursday, triggering the return of lake-effect snow squalls. These squalls will intensify overnight and into Friday morning.

PRECIPITATION TYPE - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

Current models suggest the primary snow squall band will stretch across the Bruce Peninsula, move over Georgian Bay, and come ashore between Parry Sound and MacTier. Further inland, areas along the Hwy 11 corridor, including Huntsville and Gravenhurst, will also be affected.

Additional squalls are expected off Lake Huron, impacting regions such as Kincardine, Owen Sound, Hanover, Wingham, and Mount Forest.

One of the biggest concerns is the potential for squalls to remain stationary over specific areas for extended periods. Models suggest some regions could face 24-48 hours of relentless snowfall, with rates reaching 3-5 cm per hour from Friday morning to early Sunday.

Road conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly, and travel in affected areas should be avoided starting late Thursday. Near-zero visibility, combined with rapid snow accumulation and blowing snow, may create blizzard-like conditions. Improvements are unlikely until late in the weekend or even early next week.

By Sunday morning, a slight change in wind direction could push the Georgian Bay snow squalls southward into Simcoe County and the Kawartha Lakes region. Similarly, Lake Huron squalls may shift to target areas like Goderich, Stratford, and Listowel.

Lake Erie and Lake Ontario could also generate brief lake effect activity on Sunday, potentially impacting the Southern Niagara region, Prince Edward County, and Kingston.

Environment Canada is also mentioning the potential for multiple rounds of lake-effect snow and squalls. They have highlighted areas east of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay in a ‘high’ weather threat for Friday and Saturday with locally up to 20-30cm of snow on both days.

There is also a ‘moderate’ weather threat on Sunday southeast of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay with locally up to 10-20cm. Combined, Environment Canada’s forecast is suggesting that snowfall totals could range from 50 to 80cm over those 3 days!

Snow squalls are highly localized, often only a few dozen kilometres wide, meaning snowfall totals can vary dramatically over short distances. One area might receive 50+ cm, while another just down the road may see barely a dusting.

Because of this variability, we are focusing on general zones for now. Higher-resolution models will help refine the forecast as we approach the weekend, and updates will be provided accordingly.

Snowfall totals across the traditional snowbelt regions could be significant:

  • 50-100 cm: Areas east of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron, including Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Parry Sound, Owen Sound, Kincardine, Goderich, and Hanover.

  • 25-50 cm: Surrounding regions, including the Bruce Peninsula, Collingwood, Midland, and Orillia. Totals will drop quickly further from the snowbelt.

  • 5-15 cm: Localized areas in the Southern Niagara region (e.g., Port Colborne and Fort Erie) and Kingston, mainly on Sunday, if lake effect activity drifts north of the border.

NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

For Northern Ontario, the corridor between Wawa and Sault Ste. Marie is expected to see snowfall totals between 50-100 cm from Thursday morning through late Sunday. Accumulations will taper off sharply as you move away from the Lake Superior shoreline.

Stay tuned for further updates in the coming days as we break down this dynamic weather event and provide more detailed forecast maps.

Multiple Rounds of Snow Could Bring Up to 20cm to the Grande Prairie Area By the Weekend

/

NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

Did anyone in the Grande Prairie area order more snow? Someone must have because the region is in line to receive several rounds of snowfall by the end of the week and possibly even more through the weekend. At this point, Grande Prairie and the surrounding area can expect up to 20cm of snow by Saturday morning, but with the Arctic air that has settled across the Prairies, the snow will be dry and fluffy and accumulations could end up being higher.

The first round will begin Wednesday morning as a small pocket of light snow that will only bring trace amounts of accumulation as it quickly travels southeastward along the Rockies.

A second area of light snow will follow, starting in the late afternoon. This pocket of snow will sit over the Grande Prairie region for up to 6 hours, leading to an additional couple of centimetres of accumulation before it, too, begins to travel southeast overnight. Grande Cache could see some lingering flurries from this band of snow through Thursday morning, adding 1-2cm of snow to the area.

The third time will be the charm, with snow pushing into Grande Prairie and the surrounding area beginning Thursday afternoon. This will be a much larger area of snowfall than the previous two little pockets and the light snow will push further eastward into Alberta starting Friday morning after stalling overnight. At this time, the snow may become heavier around Grande Prairie, bringing snowfall totals from this third round above 10cm by the end of the day. This area of snow will follow a more eastward trajectory across the province and into Saskatchewan throughout the day Friday.

Saturday morning could see even more snow making its way into Grande Prairie, but there is still some disagreement between weather models on this occurring. Some models are suggesting that if this does ends up happening, there could be steady snow in the area straight into Monday afternoon, bringing an additional 20cm of snow. As we approach the end of the week, we will provide any necessary updates on this possibility.

'Ice Day' Forecast: First School Bus Cancellations of the Season Possible on Tuesday in Central & Eastern Ontario

/

NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

The first significant blast of winter weather has arrived in Southern Ontario, bringing freezing rain and the possibility of the season's first school bus cancellations.

Freezing rain is expected to develop late Monday night across Central and Eastern Ontario, persisting into the early hours of Tuesday morning. While significant ice accumulation is not anticipated, even a light glaze of ice could create slippery road conditions in some areas.

Environment Canada has issued freezing rain warnings for areas stretching from Muskoka through Bancroft and into the Ottawa Valley. These warnings are expected to remain in place until temperatures climb above freezing later Tuesday morning. As a result, some school boards in the affected regions may choose to cancel buses for Tuesday morning.

Areas Most Likely to See Bus Cancellations
The highest likelihood of cancellations exists in rural school boards that are historically more cautious during severe winter weather.

  • North Hastings, North Lennox & Addington (Tri-Board), and Renfrew (Madawaska area): These areas have a 90% chance of bus cancellations, given their sensitivity to icy conditions and their placement in the freezing rain warning zone.

  • Renfrew, Tri-Board (North Frontenac), TLDSB (Haliburton), and NNDSB (East Parry Sound): These regions are slightly less likely to see cancellations, with a 75% chance of buses being pulled off the roads.

Moderate Risk Regions

  • TLDSB (Muskoka), NNDSB (Parry Sound & North Bay), and UCDSB: These areas have a 50/50 chance of cancellations. While the freezing rain threat is lower here, the presence of a warning may still lead to precautionary measures to cancel school buses.

Lower Risk Regions

  • Southern Tri-Board, KPR (Peterborough), and TLDSB (Kawartha): These areas have a 25% chance of cancellations, as the freezing rain is expected to remain mostly north and east of these regions.

  • City of Ottawa: Urban school boards like Ottawa are less likely to see cancellations due to the limited ice accumulation forecasted in city areas. We have given them a 25% chance.

No Cancellations Expected Outside Warning Zones
For the rest of Southern Ontario, temperatures are expected to remain above freezing, with only rain forecasted overnight. As such, weather-related school bus cancellations are unlikely in these regions.

Stay tuned for updates on school board decisions early Tuesday morning, and take care if you're traveling in areas impacted by freezing rain!

Disclaimer: Instant Weather has zero authority when it comes to bus and school closures. It is completely up to the school boards, bus companies, local authorities, and parents to decide what is best for their children. This is our best guess based on our forecast.

Winter Roars Into Ontario This Week With Freezing Rain Threat; Snow Squalls Could Dump Up to 50cm of Snow

/

NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

While winter has gotten off to a slow start across Southern Ontario, with many areas only seeing their first snowfall within the past week or two, it seems that change is on the way. November is shaping up to go out like a lion, as Mother Nature makes up for lost time.

A significant pattern shift is expected to bring the threat of freezing rain late Monday across Central and Eastern Ontario. This will be followed by multiple weaker systems across the Great Lakes region and colder air flooding into the province.

That colder air will set the stage for what could become our first major snow squall event later this week and into the weekend. In some typical snowbelt areas, snowfall could be measured in feet (30+ cm) by this time next week!

Let’s break down what is shaping up to be a very dynamic and active forecast over the next five to seven days, starting with the freezing rain threat.

Freezing Rain Risk: Monday into Tuesday

PRECIPITATION TYPE - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

A system is expected to move into Southwestern Ontario and the Golden Horseshoe beginning Monday afternoon. With temperatures forecasted to stay well above freezing in these areas, precipitation will fall as rain.

However, as the system moves northeast into Central and Eastern Ontario after midnight, it will encounter a stubborn layer of colder air near the surface. Temperatures hovering near or just below freezing may allow some of the rain to fall as freezing rain overnight into early Tuesday morning.

There remains some uncertainty about how widespread this pocket of cold air will be. Higher-elevation areas of Central and Eastern Ontario, including Bancroft, Barry’s Bay, and Algonquin Park, are most likely to experience freezing rain. It’s also possible for freezing rain to extend westward to Muskoka and Parry Sound, and eastward into the Ottawa Valley, including the City of Ottawa.

For Bancroft, Barry’s Bay, and Algonquin Park, ice accretion totals could reach 2-4 mm by Tuesday morning, though any ice will quickly melt after sunrise as temperatures rise above freezing by late morning. In Muskoka and the Ottawa Valley, a thin layer of ice on untreated surfaces is possible, which could make for a slow Tuesday morning commute. There is a slight chance of school bus cancellations in affected areas.

Northern Ontario: Heavy Snowfall Ahead

NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

Northern Ontario will experience heavy snow from this same system, as colder air dominates in the region. Light to moderate snowfall is expected to begin in Northwestern Ontario by early Monday afternoon, gradually spreading eastward into the evening and overnight.

Snow will continue across Northern Ontario throughout Tuesday, with the heaviest snowfall expected near the Quebec border in Northeastern Ontario. Snowfall will gradually ease later on Tuesday and into early Wednesday but could persist near James Bay in a zone extending from Hearst to Lansdowne House.

Over three days, snowfall totals will generally range from 10 to 20 cm across Northern Ontario. Far Northern Ontario near James Bay could see totals exceeding 20 cm by Thursday, while lake-enhanced snowfall southeast of Lake Superior, including Sault Ste. Marie, could push totals closer to 30 cm.

Thunder Bay is expected to see slightly less snow, as the city may end up in a drier part of the system. Forecasts currently suggest snowfall amounts of 5 to 10 cm in this area.

Southern Ontario: Cold Air and Lake Effect Snow

PRECIPITATION TYPE - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

As the system moves out of Southern Ontario late Tuesday, a surge of cold air will follow in its wake. This will briefly activate the lake effect snow machine around Lake Huron and Georgian Bay beginning Tuesday evening and lasting into Wednesday.

NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

At this time, temperatures are expected to hover near the freezing mark, which could limit significant accumulation. The most likely target zone for this initial burst of lake effect snow includes areas east of Georgian Bay, such as Parry Sound, Huntsville, and Bracebridge. These areas could see 10-15 cm, with localized amounts of up to 20 cm by the time snow bands taper off Wednesday evening.

For higher elevations southeast of Owen Sound, including Hanover, Markdale, Shelburne, and Orangeville, up to 5-10 cm of snow is possible, as cooler temperatures in these areas will allow snow to accumulate more easily. Surrounding regions, including parts of the Greater Toronto Area, may see just a few light flurries.

End of the Week: A Snow Squall Event Looms

NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

Lake effect snow will temporarily pause as another system slides through the Great Lakes region. However, this system appears to stay largely south of the border, bringing only a few flurries or light showers to areas near Lake Erie and the Golden Horseshoe early Thursday.

As we approach the weekend, Southern Ontario will see its coldest air of the season so far, with overnight lows plunging to several degrees below freezing across much of the province.

A dominant westerly to northwesterly wind is expected to develop Friday and persist into the weekend. This setup will create ideal conditions for intense snow squalls off Lake Huron, Lake Superior, and Georgian Bay starting Friday afternoon and lasting through the weekend.

These snow squalls could bring significant snowfall totals, blowing snow, and near-zero visibility to localized areas in the snowbelt. Travel could become difficult or even dangerous in the hardest-hit regions.

Based on the current forecasted wind direction, regions including Kincardine, Owen Sound, Hanover, Midland, Oro, Orillia, and Gravenhurst are likely to see the heaviest impacts. This also extends up into Northern Ontario around the Lake Superior shoreline with Sault Ste. Marie in the bullseye. Some locations within this zone could receive up to 50 cm of snow by the end of the weekend.

Snow Squall Uncertainty

It’s important to note that snow squalls are highly localized events, and not everyone will experience intense snowfall totals. One area may receive significant snow accumulations, while locations just a few kilometres away might see only a dusting.

Confidence is high that some sort of snow squall event will occur, but exact locations will depend on the finer details of wind direction and temperatures.

CREDIT: Environment CANADA

Environment Canada has also mentioned the potential for significant snow squalls later this week:

The first significant lake effect snow of the season is likely beginning Friday. This has the potential to be a highly disruptive and prolonged event for areas near Lake Huron, Georgian Bay and eastern Lake Superior. While confidence is medium to high that lake effect snow and blowing snow will occur, confidence in exact locations to be affected as well as snowfall accumulations is low. As is normally the case in these situations, snowfall amounts will be highly variable. Some areas may see well in excess of 50 cm by the end of the weekend. - Environment Canada

Stay tuned for updated forecasts in the coming days as higher-resolution models provide more details. We’ll refine the snow squall forecast and pinpoint areas most at risk.

Second Storm This Week Will Dump Even More Snow Across Saskatchewan & Manitoba This Weekend

/

NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

We hope you’ve kept your shovels handy following the storm earlier this week because there is even more snow on its way for Saskatchewan and Manitoba this weekend.

Thankfully this storm will be less complex than the previous one and the situation in two particular areas will be different this time around. The western edge of Saskatchewan, where next to no snow fell during the previous storm, is now in the crosshairs with more than 20cm of snow expected. Meanwhile, those in Winnipeg and the Eastman Region, who received drenching rains within the warm sector of the earlier storm, will finally see some snow, but overall accumulations will be limited.

Since last night’s preliminary forecast, model data has trended slightly to the north. This means that areas along the boundaries from the previous forecast could see either an increase or decrease in projected snowfall totals.

We’ve already seen a bit of light snow pushing its way into Southwest Saskatchewan from Alberta this afternoon and while this snowfall is associated with the expected storm, its a precursor band that will bring less than 5cm of snow to a small area that includes Maple Creek and Shaunavon.

The main event will begin Saturday morning, as the more organized band of snow pushes into Saskatchewan. It will start as light snow, but gradually intensify through the late morning and continuing overnight as the storm makes its way across the province. The heaviest snow is expected to fall mostly in Western Saskatchewan, leading to over 20cm of accumulation from Kindersley to Wynard by Sunday morning. At that point, there will only be some lingering light snow in Northern Saskatchewan that will continue into Monday morning.

The snow will remain steady as it crosses into Manitoba starting Saturday evening in the Westman Region and then the Parkland Region around midnight. The storm will begin to lose intensity by the time it moves into the Interlake Region on Sunday morning and as a result, there will be a decrease in snow accumulation down to 5-10cm, with only light snow falling for the remainder of the day. Since the storm will have a slight northeasterly trajectory as it crosses Manitoba, communities along the American border and into Winnipeg will see less than 5cm of snow fall.

The snow will begin to taper off Monday morning across Manitoba, with some scattered flurries continuing until late in the day, at which time the storm will exit the region.

One of the biggest challenges during the last storm was the blowing snow due to high winds. While the winds are not expected to be quite as intense this time around, gusts up to 50km/h could reduce visibility and result in some road closures, particularly through Southern Saskatchewan.

Winter Storm Could Dump Over 20cm of Snow in Southern Alberta This Weekend

/

NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

After missing out on the heavy snowfall that hit Saskatchewan and Manitoba earlier this week, Alberta now gets its turn, with a winter storm slated to hit this weekend. Much of Central and Southern Alberta can expect to see 10-20cm of fresh snow by Sunday afternoon, but a precursor blast of snow ahead of the main event means that the southeast could receive upwards of 30cm.

Following some scattered flurries overnight throughout Southern Alberta, the first round of snow will move into the province late Friday morning from the southwest. This band will build northward along the Rockies and spread northeastward across Southern and Central Alberta throughout the afternoon and evening. The snow will be heavy at times in the south, leading to a quick accumulation of 5-10cm for areas south of Calgary.

Late Friday evening and overnight, as the snow continues spreading north into Grande Cache and areas north of Edmonton, the second round of snow will start making its way into Southern Alberta along the same track as the first. This more organized band will merge with the initial round of snow in the early morning hours of Saturday and will intensify starting in the Southern Rockies shortly before dawn. Snowfall rates are expected to exceed 2cm/hr, leading to rapid accumulation in the morning and early afternoon along a stretch from Pincher Creek to Oyen. It’s in this area that residents can expect to receive more than 20cm of snow by late Saturday.

To the north, the snow will spread into the Grande Prairie area in the early hours of Saturday when the storm becomes more organized. As the system gradually pushes eastwards throughout the day Saturday and into early Sunday, the snow across Central Alberta and parts of Northern Alberta is expected to be steady and light, resulting in widespread totals of 5-20cm. Most of the Rockies will be skipped over by the second round of snow, leading to a limited amount of snow accumulation overall from this storm.

Another Snowstorm Could Dump Up to 30cm of Snow on Saskatchewan & Manitoba This Weekend

/

NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

As residents across parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba begin digging out from the first significant snowfall of the season, another winter storm is already on the horizon.

Snowfall is expected to start in western Saskatchewan as early as Saturday morning, with the worst conditions anticipated over the weekend. By the time the system wraps up on Monday, widespread snow accumulation of 15 to 30 cm is likely.

Although current model data shows good consistency regarding the storm's intensity and track, it’s still over 24 hours away, and some slight adjustments are possible. Be sure to check back on Friday for our updated forecast, which will include more precise snowfall accumulation predictions.

A teaser of what’s to come will arrive on Friday as light snow begins moving into southwestern Saskatchewan during the afternoon. This snowfall isn’t expected to spread far across the province and should mostly fizzle out by Saturday morning. Areas like Maple Creek and Shaunavon could see a few centimeters of accumulation, possibly up to 5 cm.

However, the break in snowfall will be brief, as another wave of precipitation sweeps into the province from Alberta. This system will begin as light snow late Saturday morning, gradually increasing in intensity throughout the afternoon.

By the evening, snowfall will have reached Saskatoon and Regina, with moderate to heavy snow spreading across much of Saskatchewan. The worst conditions are expected overnight into Sunday morning, when snowfall rates will peak.

Blowing snow could also pose a concern, with wind gusts of 40-50 km/h reducing visibility on roads. While conditions aren’t expected to meet blizzard criteria, drivers should anticipate poor travel conditions and potential highway closures beginning Saturday evening, particularly in western Saskatchewan. Road conditions will likely remain hazardous until Sunday afternoon, starting with improvements in the western parts of the province.

By the early hours of Sunday, snowfall will have reached western Manitoba, with its intensity ramping up through the morning. Current forecasts suggest the heaviest snowfall will target central portions of western Manitoba, including the Interlake region.

Brandon is expected to see snow begin late Sunday morning, with light to moderate snowfall continuing throughout the day. Winnipeg will likely see snow begin in the early afternoon, continuing into the evening and overnight hours.

Snowfall will gradually taper off by Monday morning, with lingering flurries in central parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

The storm is expected to lose some intensity as it progresses eastward across the Prairies. This means the highest snowfall totals will likely occur in western and central Saskatchewan. Snowfall amounts of 20-30 cm are expected in these areas by Monday morning, with localized pockets exceeding 30 cm. Locations such as Swift Current, Moose Jaw, Regina, and Kindersley are within this high-impact zone.

For the rest of Saskatchewan, snowfall amounts are forecast to range between 5 and 15 cm, with some areas potentially nearing 20 cm depending on the storm’s exact track. We’ve opted for a general forecast of "up to 20 cm" for now but expect refinements in our final update.

In Manitoba, western regions—including areas already hit hard by the earlier storm this week—can expect 10-15 cm, with isolated totals approaching 20 cm. Areas east of Brandon, including Winnipeg, are forecast to see lighter accumulations of 5-10 cm. Snowfall totals will taper off further north, with minimal impacts expected in northern Manitoba.

ESTIMATED WIND CHILL ON SATURDAY MORNING - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

One significant difference between this storm and the one earlier this week is the temperature. This event will be accompanied by much colder air, meaning it will produce all snow, with no risk of mixed precipitation. Additionally, colder temperatures will result in higher snowfall ratios, so it won’t take much liquid precipitation to produce substantial snowfall amounts.

This colder air also brings added risks for anyone traveling during the storm. Extremely cold wind chills are expected to develop as early as Saturday, with some areas feeling like the -20s across Saskatchewan and into Manitoba. If you get stranded on the roads, staying warm may be difficult, so it’s highly recommended to avoid travel during this storm.