Key Takeaways:
- Environment Canada has issued approximately 20 weather warnings across the country, effective over the weekend
- Weather warnings include snowfall, blizzards, freezing rain, rain, and shivering temperatures from coast to coast
- Canadians are advised to be aware of the warnings and their potential impact on daily routines and travel
- Weather systems from the Pacific Ocean, Ontario, and the East Coast are contributing to the active weather pattern
- Alberta has seen unusual weather this holiday season, with above-average snowfall in December
Introduction to the Weather Warnings
About 20 weather warnings from Environment Canada are set to remain in effect for swaths of the country over the weekend, as the weather agency forecasts more snowfall, blizzards, freezing rain, rain, and shivering temperatures from coast to coast. Marianna Greenhough, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, emphasizes the importance of being aware of the warnings, as they could be impactful depending on individual activities. The active weather pattern is unusual for this time of year, but not unprecedented, according to Greenhough.
Weather Conditions in Newfoundland and Labrador
A winter storm warning has been issued for much of the western, coastal areas of Newfoundland and Labrador, with up to 40 centimeters of snowfall expected to accumulate by Sunday afternoon. Other parts of the province will see between five to 15 centimeters of snowfall in the same time frame. Strong wind gusts will lead to blizzard conditions, significantly disrupting travel and daily routines. The weather agency warns that the conditions will be hazardous, and locals should exercise caution when traveling or engaging in outdoor activities.
Weather Conditions in Ontario and Quebec
From Waterloo, Ont., in the south to North Bay in Ontario’s northeast, and areas near Canada’s capital, Ottawa, Environment Canada is forecasting up to 15 millimeters of freezing rain, some rainfall, as well as a blanket of snowfall starting Sunday and going into Monday. The weather agency has issued a freezing rain warning, cautioning that ice pellets may not only make roads and walkways slippery but also cause power outages and topple trees in parts of Ontario. Large parts of Quebec are also set to be hammered by snowfall, but the storm won’t arrive until Monday, according to Environment Canada’s snow warning.
Weather Conditions in Western Canada
Environment Canada has issued cold warnings for large parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan, with a wind chill of -40 C expected to stick around until Sunday morning. The same wind chill warning is in effect for cities, towns, and villages on Saskatchewan’s side of the border between the two provinces, as well as in parts of Yukon. A Pacific frontal system is also bringing heavy snowfall to communities on and near the Yukon-British Columbia border and blizzards to B.C.’s coastal communities. The northwest coast of British Columbia is also set to see up to 150 millimeters of rain from Saturday night to Monday morning.
Causes of the Active Weather Pattern
The weather roller-coaster being seen across Canada is the result of three different weather systems moving into the country, according to Greenhough. One weather system is coming from the Pacific Ocean in the west, the second one is affecting Ontario, and the third low system is hovering over the East Coast. The only province that’s seen unordinary weather so far this holiday season is Alberta, which has received above-average snowfall in December. Usually, the province sees 18 centimeters of snowfall in December, but it received 24 centimeters in the last week alone, making it well above the normal, according to Greenhough.
Conclusion and Advice
In conclusion, the weather warnings issued by Environment Canada are a reminder to Canadians to be aware of the potential impacts of the active weather pattern on their daily routines and travel plans. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, individuals can minimize the risks associated with the weather conditions. As Greenhough advises, it is essential to be aware of the warnings and their potential impact, as they could be significant depending on individual activities. By doing so, Canadians can stay safe and navigate the challenging weather conditions effectively.