‘Snow Day’ Forecast: Heavy Snow Could Lead to School Bus Cancellations on Friday in Parts of Southern Ontario
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REGIONS NOT SHOWN ON THE MAP HAVE LESS THAN A 5% CHANCE OF BUS CANCELLATIONS
The first widespread snowfall of the month has blanketed Southern Ontario with over 5 to 10cm of snow during Thursday afternoon. Although the snow has subsided in most areas, it continues to impact Eastern Ontario tonight, coupled with the resurgence of lake effect snow off Lake Huron.
These conditions are expected to lead to challenging road conditions throughout parts of Central and Eastern Ontario, particularly in rural regions, and may result in school bus cancellations on Friday morning. However, such cancellations are likely to be very isolated, with most students still attending school—so temper your expectations for a snow day!
The Grey-Bruce region, including Southampton and Kincardine, stands the highest chance of experiencing a snow day, with a 75% probability. Overnight snow squall activity is anticipated to persist into Friday morning, accompanied by strong wind gusts that will significantly reduce visibility on roads. Given the snow squall warning issued by Environment Canada, we anticipate school bus cancellations in this area.
Nearby areas such as Goderich, Listowel, Hanover, Owen Sound, Meaford, and the Bruce Peninsula have a 25 to 50% chance of declaring a 'snow day' on Friday. These areas are also expected to feel the effects of the lake effect snow, although there is less certainty regarding its exact impact and whether it will meet the criteria for cancellations.
In Eastern Ontario, the snow is set to continue this evening and overnight but will lighten as the night progresses. With an additional 5-10cm of snow anticipated, this could potentially result in school bus cancellations on Friday morning, especially among the more rural school boards like Renfrew and Tri-board, where the chances range from 25 to 50%.
For the remainder of Central and Eastern Ontario, the likelihood of school bus cancellations is low to very low. Although significant additional snowfall is not expected, the slushy roads might prompt a few school boards to cancel, depending on local conditions which are difficult to forecast accurately.
School bus cancellations are not anticipated around the Golden Horseshoe and in Deep Southwestern Ontario, with a less than 5% chance of a 'snow day'.
Disclaimer: Instant Weather has zero authority when it comes to bus and school closures. It is completely up to the school boards, bus companies, local authorities, and parents to decide what is best for their children. This is our best guess based on our forecast.
