As December begins, Canadians across the country are experiencing diverse and extreme winter conditions. From heavy snow in the Great Lakes region to dangerously low wind chills in the Northwest Territories, the weather forecast underscores the harshness of the season.
Prairies See a Mix of Cold and Brief Warmth
Calgary and Edmonton are enjoying a brief warm spell, with temperatures above freezing for most of the week. However, southern Alberta and Saskatchewan face a colder reality, with Regina and Saskatoon bracing for morning lows of -14°C and -12°C, respectively. Manitoba follows suit, with Winnipeg seeing -12°C on Monday before warming slightly to -5°C on Tuesday.
Snow Squalls Dominate Ontario and Quebec
Ontario and Quebec are grappling with intense snow squalls, particularly in areas near the Great Lakes, such as Owen Sound, London, and Stratford. Some regions have recorded up to 50 cm of snow, with peak snowfall rates reaching 5-10 cm per hour. Gravenhurst, Ontario, declared a state of emergency after receiving a staggering 140 cm of snow, causing road closures, power outages, and the shutdown of Highway 11.
A polar air outbreak later in the week is set to push daytime highs below zero in major cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa, signaling a colder shift in weather patterns.
Atlantic Canada Faces Wet Weather
In St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, November’s rainfall totals exceeded the monthly average by a wide margin, with 326 mm recorded compared to the typical 132.4 mm. Snowfall has been minimal so far, though rain and light snow are expected throughout the week.
Northern Regions Hit by Freezing Conditions
Northern British Columbia and Yukon are under weather warnings, with 15-20 cm of snow and freezing rain forecast. The Northwest Territories face an extreme cold warning, with wind chills plummeting to -50°C on Monday morning and again Tuesday night.
Impacts and Preparations
With varied and severe weather conditions affecting different regions, Canadians are urged to stay updated on local forecasts and take precautions. From icy roads to power outages, winter’s challenges are in full swing, demanding vigilance and preparedness across the country.
