Tuesday is anticipated to be a slick day with Environment Canada cautioning about an upcoming freezing rain event expected to last for several hours. A special weather notification highlights the movement of a low-pressure system across the area, with freezing rain likely to commence in the morning and persist into the evening, potentially accumulating up to five millimeters. The precipitation is projected to alternate between freezing rain, snow, and ice pellets throughout the day, transitioning to solely snow later on.
According to the special weather statement, the impending freezing rain may lead to hazardous conditions on roads and walkways, with icy surfaces posing visibility and traction challenges. The freezing rain follows a significant snowfall on Monday in Cambridge, prompting the declaration of a snow event.
The freezing rain is forecasted due to temperatures expected to rise above freezing on Tuesday and beyond, with rain and a peak of 6 degrees Celsius predicted for Friday. The Environment Canada weather forecast indicates overcast skies persisting in the upcoming days.
The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is advising the public to avoid venturing onto ponds, rivers, or streams due to unpredictable ice conditions resulting from fluctuating temperatures, wind patterns, precipitation, and underwater currents. The authority underscores the fragility of the ice, cautioning against winter activities on it and emphasizing that ongoing flows will weaken any ice formations.
As a precaution, ice fishing remains prohibited at all GRCA parks, with the authority attributing increased water levels and flows in the Grand River watershed to recent warm and wet weather conditions. The GRCA major reservoirs have been utilized to mitigate downstream flooding, leading to elevated water levels expected to persist as stored runoff is gradually released in the coming week.
