January 23, 2026

Potentially Coldest Night in Years Ahead for Southern Ontario as Arctic Air Sends Wind Chills Below -30°C

January 23, 2026/ Brennen Perry

***NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE***

An intense blast of Arctic air is set to surge across Ontario late Friday and into Saturday morning, bringing what could be the coldest conditions many areas have experienced in years. While snow squalls continue to dominate the forecast in parts of the province, the extreme cold arriving behind them will quickly become the more dangerous and widespread threat.

According to the latest data, wind chills will plunge sharply on Friday evening. Much of Southern Ontario will see overnight wind chills fall into the -30°C range, with several regions dropping into the -35°C to -40°C range by early Saturday morning. These values are cold enough to cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

The coldest conditions are expected across Central and Northern Ontario, where the core of this Arctic air mass settles in. Wind chills near or below -40°C are likely across much of the north, including areas from Sudbury through North Bay. Some localized spots could briefly dip closer to -45°C.

Across cottage country and central sections of the province, including Muskoka, Parry Sound, Simcoe County, and Peterborough, wind chills between -35°C and -40°C look increasingly likely. This region has already been dealing with persistent snowfall, which will only add to the risk as stranded motorists or anyone caught outdoors for extended periods could be exposed to life-threatening cold very quickly.

The forecast shows much of the Greater Toronto Area, including Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, and Vaughan, dropping into the -30°C to -35°C wind chill range by Saturday morning. This could mark the coldest morning Toronto has seen since 2016.

Across the western GTA, Hamilton, and Niagara, temperatures should hover in the low -20s, though wind chills will still make it feel close to -30˚C. A similar pattern is expected for parts of Bruce and Huron counties closer to Lake Huron, where slightly milder air off the lake may keep temperatures a few degrees warmer.

Saturday daytime temperatures will remain very cold, though not as brutally cold as seen in the morning. Expect temperatures in the teens with the wind chill making it feel below -20°C in many areas. Overnight Saturday, wind chills may return back to near -30°C into Sunday morning.

Northern Ontario will bear the brunt of this event. Air temperatures are expected to drop toward -35°C, with wind chills approaching -45°C across a large portion of the region.

Some model guidance even suggests brief pockets of wind chills near -50°C, though confidence in those extreme values remains lower.

These conditions pose a serious risk to vulnerable individuals, particularly those who are unhoused or lack reliable access to warm shelter. Prolonged exposure to wind chills in the -30°C to -40°C range can become life threatening in a very short period of time. Even brief exposure during overnight hours can lead to frostbite or hypothermia, making this type of cold especially dangerous for people sleeping outdoors or in inadequately heated spaces.

The elderly are also at heightened risk during extreme cold events. Older adults may have reduced circulation, underlying health conditions, or difficulty sensing cold, all of which increase the risk of cold related illness. Those living alone or with limited mobility may struggle to maintain adequate indoor heating or may be unable to seek help quickly if something goes wrong.

Young children are another group that requires extra attention during this kind of cold. Their bodies lose heat more quickly, and they may not recognize early warning signs of frostbite or hypothermia. Even short trips outdoors without proper winter gear can become dangerous when wind chills drop this low.

Community members are encouraged to check in on neighbours, friends, and family, especially seniors or anyone known to be struggling with housing insecurity. Many municipalities and community organizations open warming centres during extreme cold events, and knowing where these resources are located can make a critical difference.

This kind of cold also places additional strain on infrastructure. Water mains are more vulnerable to freezing, older homes may struggle to retain heat, and power outages become more concerning when wind chills are this low. Anyone relying on supplemental heating should ensure proper ventilation, as carbon monoxide risk increases during prolonged cold spells.

Pet safety is another major concern during extreme cold events like this. Animals left outdoors for extended periods are at significant risk of frostbite and hypothermia, even if they are accustomed to winter conditions. Paw pads are especially vulnerable due to prolonged contact with snow and ice, and salt-treated surfaces can cause additional irritation.

January 23, 2026

No End in Sight for Simcoe County and Grey-Bruce as Endless Snow Squalls Bring the Risk of Over 50cm More Snow on Friday

January 23, 2026/ Brennen Perry

Here we go again, say it ain’t snow. It should come as no surprise to residents across the snowbelt east of Lake Huron and southeast of Georgian Bay that more snow is on the way to end the week. After a relentless stretch of lake effect activity, snow squalls are set to ramp back up on Friday as activity currently over Muskoka and the Bruce Peninsula drops southward into Simcoe County and Grey-Bruce.

These areas are no strangers to snow squalls at this point, as they have been dealing with them on and off for much of the past week. Simcoe County did manage to sneak in a brief break on Thursday, but that lull will be short lived. Friday is shaping up to be a sharp reminder of just how powerful these lake effect streamers can be, with snowfall totals quickly piling up once again. By Saturday morning, many communities could be digging out from an additional 25-50cm of snow.

In some localized areas, especially portions of southern Bruce County south of Owen Sound, snowfall totals could push even higher. Some model guidance continues to hint at locally over 50cm where bands become most persistent. On top of that, blowing snow will once again be a major concern. Wind gusts approaching 60 km/h will combine with an already deep snowpack to create widespread drifting. As a result, many local roads and highways are likely to remain closed, and that list could grow through the day Friday as conditions deteriorate.

As snow squalls begin to weaken overnight Friday into early Saturday, the focus will quickly shift to the cold. This setup is expected to deliver what could be the coldest night in years across much of Southern Ontario. Wind chills could plunge into the -40s in some areas, with nearly all of Southern Ontario seeing wind chills in the -30 range by Saturday morning.

Overnight, snow squall activity currently affecting Parry Sound and Muskoka is expected to migrate southward and settle somewhere between southern Muskoka and northern Parry Sound by mid-morning Friday. This band could become quite persistent as it drifts south, heavily impacting travel corridors.

Highway 400 between MacTier and Barrie and Highway 11 between Bracebridge and Orillia look especially vulnerable. Rapidly accumulating snowfall and poor visibility could lead to partial or full closures along these stretches as conditions worsen throughout the day.

By the afternoon, strong wind gusts in the 60 to 70 km/h range are expected to develop. This will significantly increase the risk of blowing snow and near zero visibility, making travel extremely hazardous even in areas not seeing the heaviest snowfall rates.

**Hourly snowfall rates (cm)** - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

Attention will also turn to Lake Huron, where more organized lake effect activity is expected to develop east of the lake Friday afternoon. Current model guidance suggests the most intense and focused band will set up somewhere between Owen Sound and Kincardine, extending inland toward Hanover.

This band has the potential to lock in for an extended period through much of Friday afternoon and evening. Where it becomes stationary, snowfall totals could become extreme. Under the right conditions, some localized spots could see 50cm or more, with an outside chance of totals approaching 75 to 100cm if everything lines up just right. Hourly snowfall rates could approach 10cm at times, with very cold air helping boost snowfall ratios and intensify accumulations.

Additional lake effect activity is also expected to impact Huron and Perth counties, although this snow looks less intense and more spread out. Even so, gusty winds throughout the afternoon will create treacherous travel conditions, especially in open areas that are particularly prone to blowing and drifting snow.

Expect ongoing and possibly expanding highway closures across Grey-Bruce, Huron, and Perth counties throughout the day on Friday as conditions remain dangerous.

As we head into Friday night, the Georgian Bay snow squall affecting Simcoe County should gradually weaken and retreat back toward the shoreline around midnight. Snowfall rates will ease, but blowing snow may remain an issue for a time.

The Lake Huron snow squall impacting Grey-Bruce is expected to linger overnight, though it should slowly weaken heading into Saturday morning. As winds ease and the fetch shortens, bands will gradually retreat closer to the lake.

As always with lake effect snow, totals can vary dramatically over short distances due to the narrow and highly localized nature of these bands. That said, there is fairly strong model agreement that the hardest hit area will fall somewhere around Port Elgin, Chatsworth, and Hanover. An intense and persistent squall in this corridor could lead to over 50cm of snow by Saturday morning.

Communities such as Owen Sound, Flesherton, Mildmay, and Kincardine, along with Midland, Orillia, Wasaga Beach, and Gravenhurst, can expect widespread snowfall totals in the 25-50cm range. There is still some uncertainty with the exact placement of the Georgian Bay squall, with some models keeping it tighter and others spreading it out more. Because of that uncertainty, the zone for 25cm or more stretches from Gravenhurst south toward just north of Barrie, even though the actual hardest hit area will likely be smaller.

The City of Barrie sits right on the southern edge of the main snow squall zone. At this point, it appears Barrie will narrowly miss the worst of the snow, keeping totals closer to 15-25cm, especially toward the south end of the city. That said, there is still a chance the squall dips farther south than expected. One model does bring heavier snow into Barrie, which means locally higher totals closer to 35cm cannot be ruled out.

Elsewhere across Grey-Bruce and into northern sections of Huron, Perth, Wellington, and Dufferin counties, snowfall totals in the 15-25cm range look likely. Some localized areas could still end up closer to 30 or even 35cm, depending on how individual bands evolve.

Lower snowfall amounts are expected across the Greater Toronto Area. However, the Lake Huron squall could brush parts of the western Golden Horseshoe, bringing a quick few centimetres in spots. Farther east, including Durham Region and the Kawartha Lakes, the Georgian Bay squall could deliver around 5-10cm.

Little to no snow is expected across deep southwestern Ontario and far eastern Ontario, which is why those areas are not highlighted on the snowfall map.

While snow squalls begin to wind down overnight Friday, the cold will only continue to intensify. Saturday is shaping up to be potentially the coldest day many areas have experienced in years. Some locations, including Toronto, could be looking at their coldest Saturday morning since 2016.

Temperatures are expected to drop near -30˚C across central and eastern Ontario, with wind chills making it feel between -35˚C and -40˚C. Areas east of Lake Huron and around parts of the Golden Horseshoe may be slightly less cold, but still dangerously so.

Northern Ontario will be under the core of this polar air mass, with some of the coldest air on Earth spilling south. Temperatures there could dip near or below -35˚C, with wind chills approaching -45˚C across much of the region. Some model guidance even suggests wind chills near -50, though that remains uncertain.

Once the cold settles in, attention will quickly turn to the next potential system. A high-impact snowstorm is showing signs of developing and could bring significant snowfall across a wide swath of Southern Ontario heading into Monday. Current model trends suggest over 30cm of snow is possible in some areas, including parts of the Greater Toronto Area.

A preliminary forecast for that system will be issued on Friday as we continue to monitor trends and fine-tune the details. Stay tuned.

January 22, 2026

Deep Freeze Continues Across the Prairies Thursday Night With Wind Chills Dropping Below -45°C

January 22, 2026/ Alannah Campbell

***NOTE: if you click or tap on this image you can zoom in***

Frigid Arctic air continues to blanket the Prairies, which has led to temperatures plummeting across the region. Dangerously low air temperatures and wind chill values will once again reach their lowest point of the day during the early to mid-morning on Friday, with many areas expecting to be colder than Thursday morning.

Air Temperature

Alberta can once again expect to be the most mild of the three provinces tonight and tomorrow morning, relatively speaking. However, it will be several degrees colder tonight and tomorrow morning. A majority of the province will see low temperatures drop into the -20°C to -30°C range. East Central and Northeastern Alberta will be in the colder air, with Edmonton falling below -30°C while Lloydminster and Fort McMurray are expected to dip below -35°C.

In Saskatchewan, the “warmest” air will again be found in the Southwest, where the lows are expected to range from -25°C to -30°C. A large portion of the rest of Southern Saskatchewan will drop to into -30°C and -35°C range Thursday morning. Further north, including both Regina and Saskatoon, temperatures will fall below -35°C, though they should stay above -40°C.

Manitoba will experience more variation in low temperatures Thursday night and Friday morning than overnight Wednesday. Much of the province is expected to bottom out between -30°C and -35°C. Slightly warmer air over Southeastern Manitoba, including in Winnipeg, will keep temperatures above -30°C. At the same time, some slightly colder air will nudge into the Parkland Region, bringing temperatures in Roblin and Russel just below the -35°C mark.

Wind Chill

Sustained wind levels will vary across the Prairies overnight Thursday and Friday morning. The winds will be fairly light across Alberta and Western Saskatchewan, ranging from calm to 15km/h, which will bring several degrees. The situation will be much more drastic in Eastern Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Here, sustained winds are expected to higher, at around 15-30km/h, and gusts up to 50km/h, which will drive wind chills much lower.

In Alberta, the comparatively milder temperatures will also translate to the least extreme wind chills, thanks to the light winds. Wind chill values will be approximately 5-10°C cooler than the air temperature, dropping steadily travelling northeast. It will feel colder than -25°C in Calgary and the Rockies, -30°C in Red Deer and Grande Prairie, -35°C in Edmonton, -40°C in Fort McMurray, and -45°C in Cold Lake and Lloydminster.

Most of Saskatchewan will be dealing with very harsh wind chill values Friday morning. Wind chills across much of the province, including Regina and Saskatoon, will make it feel colder than -45°C. Some weather models are even suggesting that the wind chill could possibly dip below -50° at times throughout Friday morning. There will be a slight reprieve in the Southwest, with Moose Jaw and Kindersley feeling like below -40°C and Maple Creek feeling like below -30°C.

Manitoba will see fairly uniform wind chill values, despite the increased variation in air temperatures. For most of the province, wind chills values will range between -40°C and -45°C. Wind chills will dip below -45°C in Southwestern Manitoba, where the winds will be the strongest.

***Wind chills values and frostbite times based on air temperatures and wind speeds.***

With the wind chill values this low, it’s important to remember that frostbite can develop in as little as 10 minutes on exposed skin. Limiting time outdoors will be important, especially during the coldest part of Thursday morning. If you do need to be outside, dress in multiple warm layers and cover as much exposed skin as possible. Pets should be kept inside and it is also a good idea to keep an eye on any pipes that could be vulnerable to freezing during this prolonged cold.

This stretch of extreme cold is expected to continue for at least a few more days, with little relief during the day. It’s looking like we will be back into regular cold weather by Monday morning. In the meantime, we will continue share updates on just how cold it is expected to get.

January 21, 2026

Dangerous Multi-Day Arctic Cold Arrives Wednesday Night Across the Prairies With Wind Chills Dropping Below -40°C

January 21, 2026/ Alannah Campbell

Bitterly cold Arctic air is flooding south into the Prairies, sending temperatures plunging across the region. The first taste of the bitter cold temperatures will be overnight Wednesday and into Thursday morning. The worst of the cold, both in terms of air temperatures and wind chill, is expected to from the mid to late morning on Thursday, with many areas dealing with dangerously low values.

Air Temperature

Alberta can expect to be the most mild of the three provinces tonight and tomorrow morning, but this is very relative given how cold it will still be in some parts of the province. A majority of Southern Alberta, the Rockies and the Foothills will see low temperatures drop into the -10°C to -20°C range. As you move northeast, the air becomes colder, with Edmonton falling below -20°C. Cold Lake is expected to dip below -25°C, while Fort McMurray will have temperatures falling below -30°C.

In Saskatchewan, the “warmest” air will found in the Southwest, where the lows are expected to range from -20°C to -25°C. A large portion of the rest of Southern Saskatchewan, including Regina, will drop to into -25°C and -30°C range Thursday morning. Further north, including Saskatoon and surrounding areas, temperatures will fall below -30°C, though they should stay above -35°C.

Manitoba will see some of the most consistently cold air across the Prairies.. Much of the province is expected to bottom out between -30°C and -35°C. The main exception to this will be the extreme southwestern corner of Manitoba, where temperatures are expected to stay slightly warmer, hovering just above the -30°C mark.

Wind Chill

While many who live in the Prairies are used to cold temperatures in the winter, the wind will make the next few days feel even more harsh.

Brisk winds have been sustained at up to 30km/h across the Southern Prairies, but they will luckily ease throughout the remainder of the evening ahead of the coldest air. By the time the temperatures reach their lowest point Thursday morning, sustained winds should be lighter, at around 10-20km/h. Even so, with air this cold, it does not take much wind to bring wind chill values down significantly.

In Alberta, the comparatively milder temperatures will also translate to the least extreme wind chills. The winds will be very light through the Rockies and into the Foothills, limiting wind chill in those areas. Farther northeast, wind chills will drop steadily. It will feel colder than -20°C around Red Deer, -25°C in Edmonton, and -35°C in Cold Lake and Fort McMurray.

Most of Saskatchewan will be dealing with harsh wind chill values Thursday morning. Wind chills across much of the province will make it feel colder than -35°C. Regina and Saskatoon are both expected to see wind chills in the -40°C to -45°C range, while parts of Northern and Central Saskatchewan could see values approaching -50°C at times during the morning.

Manitoba will see fairly uniform wind chill values, much like the air temperatures.

There will be a bit of relief in the Northeast, where winds will be lighter, but for most of the province, wind chills values will range between -40°C and -45°C. Parts of Central Manitoba could see wind chills dip below -45°C, where winds are a bit stronger.

This stretch of extreme cold is expected to continue into the weekend, with little relief during the day. We will continue to share updates on just how cold it is expected to get, along with when a slight warm up may arrive.

January 18, 2025

Frosty Start Early This Week as Extreme Cold Brings Intense Snow Squalls in Parts of Southern Ontario

January 18, 2025/ Brennen Perry

Get ready for a blast of Arctic air across Southern Ontario this week! A surge of polar air will cause temperatures to plummet over the weekend and into early this week.

This extreme cold is also expected to trigger a multi-day snow squall event, which could result in significant snowfall for the usual snowbelt regions.

Dangerous wind chills approaching -30°C by Monday night, combined with intense snowfall rates, will create hazardous travel conditions. The hardest-hit areas are likely to be along the Lake Huron shoreline, including Grey, Bruce, and Huron counties.

Moderate wind gusts of 40-60 km/h could lead to blowing snow, with localized blizzard-like conditions possible. Non-essential travel in these regions should be avoided, as the extreme cold could quickly turn life-threatening if you become stranded.

While exact snowfall totals remain uncertain, the cold temperatures will enhance snowfall ratios, resulting in higher-than-usual snowfall rates for the same amount of moisture. Portions of Grey and Bruce counties along the shoreline could see snowfall accumulations exceeding 50 cm.

Lake Ontario and Lake Erie may also see localized lake-effect snow starting Sunday night and continuing through Tuesday. The Niagara region and Prince Edward County could receive 25-50 cm of snow in some areas, though accumulations will be highly localized.

TIMING

**HOURLY SNOWFALL RATE/intensity** - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

The event will begin with light snow across Southwestern Ontario and the Golden Horseshoe on Monday evening. Lake enhancement along the Lake Huron shoreline and parts of the Western GTA and Northern Niagara region is expected.

However, it’s unclear how far these snow bands will extend inland, with some models suggesting they’ll remain close to the shoreline.

For example, high-resolution Canadian models show an intense but narrow squall near the Goderich region that doesn’t stretch far inland.

Similarly, a Lake Ontario squall may take an unusual path through Grimsby, St. Catharines, and Niagara-on-the-Lake, staying close to the shoreline.

Overnight Sunday into Monday morning, a more stable wind direction could allow a Lake Huron squall to push farther inland, potentially affecting Kitchener, Hamilton, and Burlington.

These areas could see a few hours of heavy snow during the morning commute.

By late Monday morning, the squall may gradually drift northward, reducing snowfall around Goderich as the wind shifts westerly. The Grey-Bruce region is likely to bear the brunt of the snow squalls at this point.

The Toronto area might see the edge of the squall by late morning, but snow intensity there remains uncertain.

On Monday evening, a persistent squall is expected to form across the Bruce Peninsula and extend over Georgian Bay into Muskoka.

However, it may struggle to reach far inland, confining the heaviest snow to shoreline areas like Parry Sound, MacTier, and Bala. Bracebridge and Gravenhurst might avoid the worst of the snow—a welcome break after this winter’s relentless storms.

Lake Erie and Lake Ontario squalls will also intensify Monday night, with the Lake Erie squall drifting north into Port Colborne and Fort Erie.

Meanwhile, the Lake Ontario squall could impact southern Prince Edward County. Unfortunately, these squalls are unlikely to shift much overnight, meaning sustained snowfall and high winds could create treacherous conditions.

As Tuesday morning approaches, the Lake Huron squall may refocus on southern Bruce County, including Owen Sound, Sauble Beach, Kincardine, and Hanover. These areas could face significant snowfall throughout the day.

The Lake Erie squall may drift southward, offering some relief to the Niagara region, though Fort Erie could remain under heavy snow. For Prince Edward County, the Lake Ontario squall may persist through much of Tuesday, delivering relentless snowfall.

A wind shift late Tuesday should end snow squalls off Lakes Erie and Ontario, but activity off Lake Huron may reposition toward the Bruce Peninsula and Muskoka.

Details for snow squall activity beyond Tuesday night will be covered in future updates.

THE BIG CHILL

The big factor fueling these squalls is the frigid air moving over the relatively warm Great Lakes.

Temperatures could drop to -20°C by Monday night, with wind chills in the -30s for many parts of Southern Ontario, including the southwest.

This dangerous combination of extreme cold and heavy snow could lead to life-threatening conditions if you get stranded outdoors.

That’s why it’s critical to avoid travel during this period and stay home whenever possible.

School bus cancellations are likely on Monday and Tuesday due to both extreme cold and snow squalls.

HOW MUCH TO EXPECT

As always with snow squalls, their narrow and shifting nature makes forecasting totals challenging. Some areas may see just 1 cm, while others a short distance away could be buried under 50 cm.

Model data suggests that Bruce County will be hardest hit, particularly along the Bruce Peninsula, Port Elgin, Kincardine, and Point Clark, where over 50 cm of snow is possible.

Huron and Grey counties, including Owen Sound, Chatsworth, Hanover, Wingham, and Goderich, could see up to 50 cm in places.

Inland areas like Kitchener and Orangeville may get up to 25 cm, while the Eastern Georgian Bay shoreline, including Muskoka, could see similar totals.

The Niagara region, especially along its northern and southern edges, may get up to 25 cm of snow between Monday night and Tuesday. In Prince Edward County, localized totals of 50 cm are possible, especially in southern areas.

Kingston could see up to 10 cm, while eastern Ontario and deep southwestern Ontario will likely receive no more than 5 cm.

Stay tuned for updates as high-resolution models refine snowfall predictions.

For now, it’s clear that this storm will bring a mix of extreme cold, heavy snow, and treacherous travel conditions to Southern Ontario. Stay safe and stay prepared!

January 16, 2025

Arctic Blast Across Canada With Potentially Coldest Air in Years; Dangerous Wind Chills Near -40°C Possible Next Week

January 16, 2025/ Brennen Perry

Get ready for a major Arctic chill as some of the coldest air in over a year is set to spread across much of Canada over the next week.

This icy blast will originate in the Arctic and surge into Central and Eastern Canada, causing temperatures to plummet to dangerously low levels. Wind chills could drop to between -30°C and -40°C—or even lower—in several regions by early next week.

This extensive polar plunge will impact much of Canada and even stretch into parts of the United States. Over the next five to seven days, nearly everyone will feel the chill in some capacity.

The Prairies will be the first to experience this frigid air as it arrives late Friday into Saturday. By early next week, the cold will spread eastward into Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada, blanketing nearly all of the country in sub-zero temperatures. The cold snap is expected to last for a few days, but relief will arrive with more seasonal air by mid to late next week.

SATURDAY

In Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, the cold will start to settle in Friday night and intensify into Saturday morning. Temperatures will plunge below -20°C and could approach -30°C in some areas, even before factoring in the wind chill.

The coldest conditions will hit northern areas like Fort McMurray and Thompson, where wind chills could make it feel like -40°C to -45°C.

Most of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, excluding Winnipeg, will see wind chills between -35°C and -40°C. Winnipeg and Edmonton will feel slightly less severe, with wind chills in the low to mid -30s, while Calgary will range from -25°C to -30°C.

Northern Ontario will also begin to feel the chill, with wind chills making it feel close to -30°C in places like Thunder Bay by Saturday morning.

Meanwhile, Southern Ontario will enjoy one last relatively mild day on Saturday, with temperatures near the freezing mark. However, the arrival of the Arctic air could bring a flash freeze late Saturday in Northeastern and Southern Ontario. Rapidly dropping temperatures may lead to icy road conditions, so caution is advised.

SUNDAY

By Sunday morning, the cold air will deepen across the Prairies, bringing wind chills into the -40s for much of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. This includes locations like Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Saskatoon, Regina, and Thompson.

Winnipeg and Calgary will be slightly less frigid, with wind chills closer to -30°C to -35°C, though colder temperatures are expected by Monday morning.

Ontario will also see temperatures drop sharply by Sunday morning. Northern Ontario will experience bitterly cold air, with actual temperatures between -20°C and -30°C and wind chills closer to -40°C in the northernmost areas.

Southern Ontario will see temperatures ranging from -10°C to -20°C, with the coldest air in Central and Eastern Ontario. Wind chills in Northern sections of Southern Ontario could approach -30°C, while Southwestern Ontario and the Golden Horseshoe will feel like -20°C to -25°C.

The arrival of Arctic air could also reignite lake-effect snow squalls early next week. Snowbelt regions around Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and Georgian Bay could see heavy snowfall as a result. More details on this will be provided in a separate forecast.

STAYING SAFE IN THE EXTREME COLD

(Forecast continues below)

Extreme cold can pose significant risks to safety and health, especially when wind chill intensifies the freezing temperatures. Even moderate wind speeds can dramatically lower the "feels like" temperature, increasing the risk of frostbite.

When wind chill drops below -27°C, exposed skin can freeze in 30 minutes or less. At extreme levels, such as -40°C or colder, frostbite can occur in as little as 5-10 minutes.

To protect yourself and your loved ones, limit time spent outdoors during these dangerous conditions. If you must go outside, dress in multiple layers of loose-fitting, insulated clothing.

Make sure to cover all exposed skin with hats, scarves, gloves, and insulated boots. A windproof outer layer is essential to reduce the effects of cold winds.

Pay attention to frostbite warning signs, including numbness, tingling, or a loss of colour in fingers, toes, nose, or ears. If you suspect frostbite, immediately move to a warm location and avoid rubbing the affected area, as this can worsen tissue damage.

Hypothermia is another serious concern; symptoms include shivering, confusion, and slurred speech. Seek medical attention if hypothermia or frostbite is suspected.

For those driving during extreme cold, always keep an emergency kit in your vehicle with essentials such as blankets, extra clothing, food, and water.

Ensure your phone is fully charged, and let someone know your travel plans. Avoid leaving pets outdoors for extended periods, as they are equally susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia.

MONDAY

The worst of the cold will likely occur Monday morning, especially in the west, with Arctic air entrenched across much of Central and Eastern Canada. Temperatures near or below -30°C will stretch from Alberta to Western Quebec.

Wind chills could make it feel like -40°C or colder across Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northern Ontario, and parts of Eastern Alberta and Western Quebec. Calgary and Edmonton will escape the worst, but wind chills will still hover around -35°C.

In Southern Ontario, most areas will see temperatures near -20°C, with Central and Southwestern Ontario experiencing the coldest air. Wind chills will make it feel like -25°C to -35°C, a pattern also expected in Montreal and Quebec City.

Atlantic Canada will begin to feel the polar plunge by Monday morning. Wind chills will drop to around -25°C in Northern New Brunswick, while Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia will remain slightly milder, with wind chills ranging from -5°C to -15°C.

TUESDAY

By Tuesday morning, the coldest air will shift further east, bringing some relief to the Prairies. Alberta will see temperatures climb back into the single digits, with wind chills in the teens.

Eastern Saskatchewan will remain colder, with wind chills near -25°C to -30°C, while western regions warm slightly. Manitoba will also improve, though wind chills will still range from -30°C to -35°C, particularly near the Ontario border.

Tuesday is likely to be the coldest day for Ontario, as the Arctic air peaks over the province. Northern Ontario will see temperatures between -30°C and -40°C, with wind chills plunging well into the -40s.

Southern Ontario will experience temperatures from -20°C to -30°C, with wind chills making it feel like -35°C to -40°C in Central Ontario and the Ottawa Valley, and -30°C to -35°C elsewhere.

Montreal and Quebec City will endure similarly bitter conditions, with wind chills of -35°C or lower. Central and Western Quebec will feel even colder, with wind chills dropping below -40°C.

Atlantic Canada will also face its coldest morning on Tuesday. Wind chills will range from -35°C in Northern New Brunswick to the -20s in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

WEDNESDAY

Wednesday morning will bring one final bitterly cold start for much of Eastern Canada, but signs of improvement will begin to appear.

Southwestern Ontario, including Windsor, Sarnia, and London, could see wind chills near -35°C or even -40°C. Northern Ontario will finally climb above -30°C wind chills for the first time in days, marking the beginning of a warming trend.

Quebec will remain very cold, with wind chills near -40°C in some areas, while Montreal and Quebec City will continue to see wind chills of -35°C.

Atlantic Canada will face another cold morning, with wind chills between -20°C and -35°C.

Most of Eastern Canada will see a reprieve from the extreme cold by Thursday morning. However, this may only be temporary, as long-range models suggest another Arctic surge could arrive late next week into the weekend. Stay tuned for updates.

December 11, 2024

Widespread Temperatures Below -30°C and Windchills Approaching -45°C Have Prompted More Extreme Cold Warnings

December 11, 2024/ Alannah Campbell

The extreme cold continues across Saskatchewan and Manitoba overnight tonight and through to tomorrow morning. Unfortunately, it will be colder than this morning, and a much larger area can expect temperatures below -30°C to settle in after midnight and continue until the late morning.

This intense cold poses a risk to everyone, especially young children, the elderly, individuals with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, and those without adequate shelter. Symptoms of cold exposure, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness, and colour change in fingers and toes, should be monitored closely.

The winds are expected be light again, at around 10-15km/h, as the temperatures reach their lowest point. With the even colder air than this morning, these light winds are going to result in windchills that are approaching -45°C. The coldest windchills are expected in the Westman Region, but windchills below -40°C will still be felt over a significant area. As a result, Environment Canada has issued more widespread Extreme Cold Warnings than last night, stretching from Saskatoon and into Northern Ontario.

At these temperatures, frostbite can occur in as little as 30 minutes, and in some areas close to 10 minutes, so it is crucial to cover up when going out and limiting exposure all together. It’s also wise to keep emergency supplies in your vehicle, including extra blankets and jumper cables, in case of an emergency.

December 10, 2024

Extreme Cold Makes Its First Appearance of December With Windchills Dipping Below -40°C

December 10, 2024/ Alannah Campbell

The extreme cold has returned to the Prairies with temperatures dipping below -20°C across a majority of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, with the exception of the Southwest Corner of Saskatchewan. Temperatures will be lower than -30°C in parts of Central Saskatchewan and into the Parkland Region of Manitoba. The cold Arctic air pushed south throughout the day today and temperatures will continue to fall overnight before reaching their lowest point in the mid-morning.

Winds overnight tonight are expected be light, at around 10-15km/h. These light winds will easily push the windchill below -40°C, which has prompted Environment Canada to issue Extreme Cold Warnings for parts of both provinces.

At these temperatures, frostbite can occur in as little as 30 minutes so it is crucial to cover up when going out and limiting exposure all together. It’s also wise to keep emergency supplies in your vehicle, including extra blankets and jumper cables, in case of an emergency.

November 29, 2024

Another Night of Extreme Cold on Tap, Warnings Extend into Manitoba for Tonight as Windchills Reach -40°C Over a Wider Area

November 29, 2024/ Alannah Campbell

The extreme cold continues across the Prairies with overnight lows dipping below -20°C across a large part of the region and lower than -30°C in Central Saskatchewan once again tonight and into tomorrow morning.

Winds overnight tonight are expected to remain similar to last night, peaking at around 10-15km/h, but they are expected to be more widespread. These light winds will easily push the windchill below -40°C over a larger area, resulting in Environment Canada issuing more Extreme Cold Warnings for tonight.

It appears that Saskatchewan and Manitoba could see a bit of a reprieve tomorrow night, with the coldest air expected to be found in Alberta instead.

November 28, 2024

First Extreme Cold Air of the Season to Settle Across the Prairies Over the Coming Days, Overnight Lows Dipping Below -30°C

November 28, 2024/ Alannah Campbell

While it has been quite cool across the Prairies this week on the backside of last weekend’s storm, it’s about to get even colder over the next few days. The first of this extreme cold will be experienced overnight Thursday and Friday morning. A large swath of the Prairies will have overnight lows below -20°C tonight while parts of Central Saskatchewan will see temperatures dipping below -30°C, prompting the first Extreme Cold Warnings of the season from Environment Canada that includes Saskatoon.

Winds overnight are expected to top out at around 10-15km/h and while this is just a light breeze, it’ll be enough to drive the windchill well below -40°C in the coldest areas. At these temperatures, frostbite can occur in as little as 30 minutes so it is crucial to cover up when going out and limiting exposure all together. It’s also wise to keep emergency supplies in your vehicle, including extra blankets and jumper cables, in case of an emergency.

We will continue to provide updates over the coming days as these cold temperatures persist.

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