Yellow weather warnings have been issued for Waterloo region and Guelph by Environment Canada due to anticipated bitter cold and blowing snow on Friday, impacting travel and outdoor activities. Flurries are expected, with a risk of snow squalls and local blowing snow, resulting in up to 5 cm of snowfall in the mentioned areas. Strong winds up to 50 km/h and temperatures dropping to –18 C, with a wind chill of –30 C by the afternoon, pose a risk of frostbite, according to Environment Canada.
The blowing snow may cause sudden near-zero visibility, especially in open areas, making travel hazardous with a potential impact on rush hour traffic. Extreme cold conditions are expected to persist through Saturday, with Environment Canada warning that everyone is at risk and advising to watch for cold-related symptoms. Areas like Mount Forest and Arthur in north Wellington County are also under a yellow warning advisory due to expected strong winds and significant snowfall.
The Ontario Provincial Police have closed Highway 6 between Mount Forest and Fergus due to poor visibility and deteriorating road conditions. Schools in north Wellington County have been closed, and school buses in the southern parts of Wellington County and Dufferin County have been canceled. Snow events are ongoing in Cambridge and Woolwich Township, with parking bans in effect for snow clearing operations.
Ontario is bracing for some of the coldest temperatures of the year this weekend, attributed to a polar vortex moving southward because of a weakened jet stream. Saturday’s weather is expected to be a mix of sun and cloud with a chance of flurries, while Sunday and early next week may bring significant snowfall. People are advised to limit outdoor time and travel cautiously due to potential reduced visibility.
