Extreme cold weather across Canada to remain throughout the weekend

Frigid temperatures are moving across the country with some of the coldest temperatures of the year expected to hit the GTA.

A flurry of wintry weather is in the forecast across Canada as we head into the weekend, prompting special weather statements in five provinces.

Atlantic Canada

Canada’s East Coast is expecting a blast from old man winter as the weekend closes out.

Two weather alerts have been issued for parts of eastern Newfoundland and the Avalon Peninsula. Environment Canada issued an orange watch for a winter storm expected overnight Sunday into Tuesday afternoon, with potential snowfall amounts between 35 and 50 cm.

Environment Canada also issued a Coastal Flooding Statement from Cape Freels to the Burin Peninsula, where coastal waters could exceed the highest astronomical tide.

A special weather statement has been issued for parts of P.E.I. and Nova Scotia for Sunday but could end Monday afternoon. Environment Canada warns of accumulating snowfall, amounting to anywhere between 10 and 35 cm, which could make travel conditions hazardous.

Quebec and eastern Ontario

We could see a little reprieve as we head more inland to Quebec and eastern Ontario, with Environment Canada saying light snow is expected across the region. We’re expected to see chilly overnights through the weekend, with base temperatures sitting between -19 C and -23 C.

However, the weather agency expects a chilly end to the weekend will bring sunny skies to parts in Quebec.

Southern and southwestern Ontario

Wind chills of between -25 C to -30 C have prompted a yellow cold warning from Environment Canada across parts of southern and southwestern Ontario from Friday night into Saturday morning, including Toronto and London.

Environment Canada warns frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill. Snow is possible for the Windsor area Friday, which could last into Saturday night.

Southern Ontario is likely to see some sunny skies as the week begins but snow is possible across the region Monday night.

The Prairies

It’ll be a chilly weekend in Manitoba, with the temperature expected to drop to -23 C in the Winnipeg area Friday night. Environment Canada predicts Saturday could bring winds between 50 and 70 km/h by mid-day.

The weekend is proving to be a wetter one as we head further west. Parts of Saskatchewan could see periods of light snow mixed with freezing going into Saturday, but temperatures will remain around -23 C. Environment Canada is predicting a modest two to four centimetres of snow for Regina on Saturday. Light snow is also possible for Saskatoon Sunday night.

In contrast to Saskatchewan, Alberta is already experiencing above zero temperatures across the province. A little rain is expected in Edmonton overnight Friday, but that city could see a little snow going into Monday.

B.C.

Above zero temperatures may be a welcoming feeling for many Canadians in the middle of winter, but the Vancouver area continues to cope with heavy rain as we head into the weekend.

Environment Canada’s yellow warning is in effect, with rainfall totals between 60 and 90 mm being felt across the region. Rain is expected to continue from now until Tuesday morning.