Snow squall warning lifted, possibility for ‘record breaking cold’ as Arctic cold front moves through region

Frigid temperatures and bitterly cold wind chills are in store for London. Here's Julie Atchison with what you need to know.

A snow squall warning has been lifted for the London region Tuesday evening as frigid cold and bitter wind chills blanket the region.

An extreme cold warning remains in effect throughout much of southern Ontario. Tuesday’s high will reach -10 C in London, with strong winds making things feel like –20 with the wind chill.

“The cold front is just on our doorstep,” said CTV News London Meteorologist Julie Atchison. “It’ll continue to drive eastward blowing snow. A major issue on roads this afternoon as you head home for the day winds expected to be gusty through the evening and not easing off until overnight.”

Atchison adds open areas such as fields or highways will be particularly vulnerable with the blowing snow, leading to “very icy conditions.”

The cold will linger through the extended forecast, with lake effect snow following in behind it. Atchison says whiteout conditions are expected to develop over the Bruce Peninsula heading into the evening.

In London, light snowfall will develop Tuesday with one or two centimetres expected, but Atchison says that number could increase to five centimetres if a snow squall passes through the area. North of London towards Huron-Perth, heavier snowfall of up to 10 centimetres is expected.

“Leave yourself lots of extra time as you head home for the day,” Atchison said.

The overnight low will dip down to –20 C overnight, feeling like –27 with the wind chill.

Looking ahead to Wednesday, flurries will begin in the afternoon with local blowing snow late in the morning and into the afternoon. The daytime high will reach –12 C, feeling like –29 with the wind chill in the morning and –20 in the afternoon, with Environment Canada warning of a risk of frostbite.

“This could even be some record breaking cold,” Atchison said.

Here’s a look at London’s long-range forecast

Tuesday night: Partly cloudy. 40 percent chance of flurries this evening. Local blowing snow this evening. Wind west 30 km/h gusting to 50 becoming light after midnight. Low minus 20. Wind chill minus 20 this evening and minus 27 overnight.

Wednesday: Increasing cloudiness. Flurries beginning in the afternoon. Local blowing snow late in the morning and in the afternoon. Wind becoming southwest 20 km/h gusting to 40 in the morning. High minus 12. Wind chill minus 29 in the morning and minus 20 in the afternoon. Risk of frostbite. UV index 1 or low.

Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud with 60 percent chance of flurries. High minus 11.

Friday: A mix of sun and cloud with 40 percent chance of flurries. High minus 14.

Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud with 30 percent chance of flurries. High minus 11.

Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud. High minus 6.

Monday: A mix of sun and cloud with 40 percent chance of flurries. High minus 5.

Bus cancellations

London-Middlesex-Elgin

Huron-Perth

Lambton

Bruce-Grey