A person walks among snow-covered trees in Needham Park in Halifax after a winter storm on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024. The Canadian Press
As Canada braces for a chilly weekend, wintry weather conditions are expected to dominate the country, with freezing rain, snow, and bitter cold temperatures in the forecast. Across the country, from the Atlantic provinces to the northern territories, residents should prepare for challenging weather, including freezing drizzle, snow accumulation, and strong winds. Here's a breakdown of the conditions expected in key regions.
Atlantic Canada
In St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Sunday will be the coldest day of the weekend, with temperatures reaching a chilly -1°C. Rain and drizzle are expected to impact Friday and Saturday, while other areas like Corner Brook and Gander will experience temperatures hovering near freezing. Labrador City may see some snow, with highs ranging between -6°C and -1°C. The Maritimes, including Halifax, Charlottetown, and Moncton, will experience a mix of sun and cloud, with daytime highs ranging from 3°C to -2°C. Fredericton residents could see flurries on New Year’s Eve and Day. Expect rain to return early next week.
Quebec
In Quebec, freezing rain warnings are in effect for several regions, including Amos, Chibougamau, and Rouyn, starting Friday. Special weather statements have also been issued for areas such as Montreal, Quebec City, and Sherbrooke. These regions may experience hazardous conditions, including freezing rain, leading to slippery roads and hazardous travel. While temperatures are expected to warm over the weekend, Montreal and Quebec City will see highs around -10°C on Friday, with a significant rise to 7°C or 8°C by Monday. The city of Montreal is also under a smog warning, making air quality a concern.
Ontario
Freezing rain advisories are in effect in parts of Ontario, particularly in Greater Sudbury, Temiskaming Shores, and Kirkland Lake. By Friday afternoon, drivers in these areas are being advised to exercise caution due to icy conditions. Elsewhere, including in Toronto and Windsor, rain is expected to persist throughout the weekend, though flurries may make an appearance in some areas on New Year's Day. In Ottawa, while freezing rain is expected, no warnings have been issued yet.
Prairies
In Manitoba, temperatures will dip over the weekend, with Winnipeg expecting a high of -5°C on Sunday. Saskatchewan, which saw freezing rain warnings on Friday morning, will see flurries in cities such as Regina and Saskatoon. The freezing rain risk is expected to clear by Friday afternoon, but the weekend will remain cold. Flurries are also expected to affect cities like Prince Albert on Saturday.
Alberta
Alberta will see colder temperatures this weekend, with Edmonton experiencing highs between 0°C on Friday and -7°C on Sunday. Calgary will also see temperatures drop, from a high of 5°C on Friday to -2°C by Sunday. The forecast for next week suggests an even colder start to the new year, with temperatures in Edmonton dipping to -16°C and in Calgary reaching -11°C.
British Columbia
In British Columbia, a snowfall warning has been issued for the Sea to Sky region, where up to 20 cm of snow is expected in higher elevations between Squamish and Whistler. Vancouver will experience rain throughout the weekend, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 10°C. The same forecast applies for Victoria, while areas like Kelowna and Kamloops may see some snow or rain with temperatures hovering just above freezing.
Northern Canada
The northern territories will experience cold temperatures, with Whitehorse forecasted to see a high of 0°C on Friday, dropping to -13°C by Sunday night. Snow is expected in Yellowknife, with daytime highs between -7°C and -9°C, and the temperature will plunge even further on New Year’s Day, reaching a low of -30°C. In Iqaluit, the weekend will bring cooler temperatures, with a high of -18°C on Sunday, warming up slightly to -8°C on January 1st, with some snow in the forecast.
