Key Takeaways:
- Winter weather continues to affect Canada, with various regions experiencing snow, freezing rain, and heavy rainfall.
- Environment Canada has issued warnings for Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and other provinces, advising caution when traveling due to reduced visibility and icy roads.
- The Prairies are expected to experience freezing rain and snowfall, with cold warnings dropped for Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
- British Columbia is expected to receive heavy rainfall, with snowfall warnings in effect for certain regions.
- Ontario is also expected to see snowy conditions, with snow squall warnings in place for several areas.
Introduction to Winter Weather in Canada
Winter weather continues to wallop Canada, with various regions experiencing a range of conditions, from heavy rainfall in British Columbia to freezing rain in the Prairies and a looming storm in Atlantic Canada. Environment Canada has released its seasonal forecast, cautioning Canadians to expect the "full range" of winter weather. The latest episode of wintry conditions comes days after the forecast was released, with several provinces under winter storm warnings or special weather statements.
Winter Storm Warnings in Atlantic Canada
In Nova Scotia, a yellow winter storm warning has been issued for several counties, including Victoria, Inverness, Antigonish, and Pictou, as well as northern Colchester County. The warning advises of periods of light snow that will continue on Sunday before intensifying in the early evening. Snow will continue into Monday afternoon over northeastern portions of the mainland, with western Cape Breton possibly seeing similar conditions into Monday night. People are advised to be cautious when traveling, as visibility may be suddenly reduced to zero, with Environment Canada forecasting between 25 and 40 centimeters of snow during the storm and wind gusts of 80 to 90 km/h.
Prairie Weather Conditions
The Prairies are expected to experience freezing rain and snowfall, with cold warnings dropped for Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Periods of freezing rain are forecast for parts of central Alberta, stretching as far west as Grande Cache and to the east, including St. Paul and Lloydminster. A small portion of western Saskatchewan, including Lloydminster, Loon Lake, and Maidstone, are also under a freezing rain warning. The rain is expected to end in both provinces later on Sunday morning, but Environment Canada is warning people to be safe as sidewalks and roads will become icy and slippery.
British Columbia Weather Conditions
In British Columbia, there is a mix of snowfall and rainfall yellow warnings. Environment Canada forecasts rainfall of between 50 and 70 cm for Metro Vancouver, including the cities of Vancouver, Burnaby, West Vancouver, and Maple Ridge, as well as Whistler and Penticton. The agency says while light to moderate rainfall will occur on Sunday, a stronger frontal system will bring heavier rain in the evening. The heaviest rainfall is expected overnight into early Monday before easing off in the afternoon. B.C.’s River Forecast Centre has issued high streamflow advisories for coastal regions, with flood warnings in effect for the Fraser Valley around Abbotsford.
Ontario Weather Conditions
Ontario is also set to see more snowy conditions, with snow squall warnings in place for London, Barrie, Owen Sound, and the Saugeen Shores. Some areas, such as Barrie and Owen Sound, will see accumulations of five to 15 cm. Other locations, however, could see 20 to 40 cm as a particularly strong snow squall develops off Lake Huron. The heaviest snowfall is expected west of London, but squalls will move through the city on Sunday before easing off in the evening. St. Thomas, Aylmer, eastern and western Elgin County, Rodney, and Stratford are under a special weather statement, with five to 10 cm expected to fall beginning on Sunday afternoon.
Conclusion and Precautions
In conclusion, winter weather continues to affect Canada, with various regions experiencing a range of conditions. It is essential for Canadians to stay informed about the latest weather forecasts and warnings, and to take necessary precautions when traveling. Environment Canada advises people to be cautious when traveling, as visibility may be suddenly reduced to zero, and to be safe as sidewalks and roads will become icy and slippery. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, Canadians can stay safe and prepared for the winter weather conditions.