Waterloo region and Guelph are bracing for severe winter conditions. Environment Canada has issued two yellow weather warnings due to biting cold and blowing snow. This weather could make travel and outdoor activities quite challenging on Friday.
Flurries are expected throughout the day, and in the afternoon, snow squalls may hit, with total snow accumulation reaching up to 5 cm. Wind gusts could reach 50 km/h, dropping temperatures to around –18°C. With the wind chill, it could feel as cold as –30°C by afternoon. This poses a serious risk for frostbite, especially if you’re outside for long periods.
The unpredictable snow and wind might lead to sudden drops in visibility, particularly in open areas. Travel could become dangerous, especially during rush hour, and road closures are a possibility. It’s wise to delay unnecessary trips until conditions improve.
These harsh cold conditions aren’t going away soon. A warning from Environment Canada emphasizes the risk to everyone. Cold-related symptoms can include shortness of breath, chest pain, and numbness in extremities. It’s important to dress warmly, check on older family members, and keep pets safe too. Outdoor workers should take frequent breaks inside to avoid the cold.
Areas like Mount Forest and Arthur are under a yellow warning advisory, predicting up to 20 cm of snow. Visibility will be significantly impaired due to heavy gusts of wind, making some roads hazardous. Highway 6 has already seen closures due to these poor conditions.
As a result, schools in north Wellington County are closed for the day, and school transportation services have canceled bus routes in affected areas. Exams at a couple of Guelph schools have also been postponed.
Looking ahead, even colder temperatures are expected this weekend. An incoming polar vortex, triggered by changes in the jet stream, is responsible for this weather shift. Saturday may bring a mix of sun and clouds, but with temperatures feeling like –30°C in the morning. Sunday could bring another wave of snow, lasting into the early part of next week.
Given these conditions, it’s crucial to limit outdoor activities and exercise caution while traveling. A few days of harsh winter weather can lead to troubled commutes and significant impacts on daily life.
