Niagara Region Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Total Solar Eclipse

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The Niagara Region has officially declared a State of Emergency in anticipation of the large number of visitors expected to arrive for the total solar eclipse on April 8th, which is being hailed as one of the premier viewing opportunities in Canada. In preparation for the arrival of thousands of eclipse enthusiasts, Regional Chair Jim Bradley made the announcement on March 28th, invoking the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA).

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This step is taken as a precaution to ensure the safety and well-being of both the residents and the visitors coming to witness this unique celestial phenomenon. Local governments, emergency services, schools, and various organizations are working in unison, coordinating efforts with the Province and key partners to ensure a memorable yet safe eclipse viewing experience.

The declaration is set to bolster the region's capabilities in handling large crowds, maintaining essential infrastructure, and responding promptly to any emergencies that might occur. Officials are highlighting the need for preparedness among those planning to view the eclipse, advising adherence to safety guidelines such as the use of ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses and avoiding makeshift viewing methods that can endanger eye health.

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To mitigate the impact of expected large crowds and potential delays, residents and visitors are encouraged to prepare in advance. Recommendations include filling up vehicles with gas, shopping for groceries, and completing errands well before eclipse day to avoid unnecessary congestion. Safe travel practices on April 8th are also emphasized, with advisories against stopping or getting out of vehicles on highways to watch the eclipse.

Given the significance of the event, most schools in the Niagara region will be closed, prompting parents to make alternate childcare arrangements and to educate their children on how to safely observe the eclipse.

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Weather Whiplash in Ontario With Record-Breaking Heat, Severe Thunderstorm Risk & Flash Freeze This Week

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Get ready for a wild weather ride, Ontario! The old saying will hold true this week: "If you don't like the weather in Ontario, just wait five minutes—it'll change!" And change it will, with a full spectrum of seasons unfurling over the next 48 hours.

As we previously hinted, a ‘heatwave’ is set to roll in for Tuesday and Wednesday, with temperatures climbing into the teens. Parts of Deep Southwestern Ontario are even teasing the 20°C mark, according to some models!

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Thunderstorms are on the agenda for Tuesday, starting with morning storms and a potential severe risk by the afternoon and evening.

Fog, a recurring theme this season, is slated to make a comeback in certain areas on Tuesday and Wednesday. This will be accompanied by heavy rain, dumping 15-30mm by Wednesday morning. For parts of Northern Ontario, we could be looking at significant snowfall totals as the cold air hangs on there. This includes Kenora, Dryden, Kapuskasing, Cochrane and Timmins.

Take a look at Windsor's 10-day forecast—it's a real temperature roller coaster. We're climbing to the first high on Wednesday with temperatures soaring over 15°C, then taking a dive back to near seasonal norms by Thursday.

But hold on tight! We're heading back up for another warm spell this weekend, with the mercury potentially flirting with the 20°C mark by Monday.

For some perspective, the average high for Windsor at this time of year hovers around 3°C. However, the upcoming forecast anticipates highs that will consistently top the seasonal average. And this pattern of temperature swings? It's set to stick around into the early days of March.

Download our free app to view your local forecast.

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But don't pack away your winter gear just yet!

Remember, it's still February, despite what the balmy temperatures might suggest. Winter is gearing up for a comeback by Wednesday morning and afternoon. A sharp cold front will sweep through the province, one of the steepest we've seen in quite some time, with temperatures plummeting from the teens to below freezing in just a few hours.

Given the expected rain and mixed precipitation during this cooldown, we're likely to see road conditions turn treacherous with ice on Wednesday. A tricky commute is on the cards for Wednesday afternoon, and we can't dismiss the potential for school bus cancellations if the flash freeze risk materializes as the models predict.

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From late Wednesday into Thursday, snow squalls are expected to revisit the usual snowbelt regions, with wind chills plunging to near -20°C—a stark contrast to Tuesday's near-record warmth.

And the temperature roller coaster doesn't stop there. As we look towards the weekend and into early next week, another significant warm-up is on the horizon. Because these rapid temperature fluctuations are definitely healthy for our ecosystem! 🫠

We're putting together a detailed forecast, complete with several maps to navigate this complex weather pattern. It's a bit of a task, so bear with us as we compile all the necessary information. Stay tuned!

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Severe Thunderstorm Risk on Tuesday Close to Southwestern Ontario

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The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) in the United States has identified a 15% severe risk area in their Day 4 thunderstorm outlook for Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

This 15% severe risk zone is approaching Deep Southwestern Ontario, including Windsor. Currently, it stops just shy of Detroit, but the SPC's trend has been to extend it progressively northeast with each new forecast update.

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The SPC's forecast states, “As thunderstorms develop ahead of the front during the late afternoon and early evening, a severe threat is expected from the Ozarks northward into the southern Great Lakes. Wind-damage, and perhaps a few tornadoes would be possible with supercells and/or the stronger bowing line segments.”

Although it's unlikely for the severe threat to cross the border at this stage, the proximity to Windsor will make it something to watch. The potential for an isolated storm, primarily presenting strong wind gusts as a threat, cannot be entirely dismissed.

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Regardless of the severe threat, we're on the cusp of a welcome warm-up, accompanied by a few non-severe thunderstorms expected between Tuesday and Wednesday.

Stay tuned as we continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as it evolves.

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