Warning: Up to 20 cm Snow Expected on Wednesday

Winter conditions are intensifying as a significant snowfall is predicted for Wednesday, with accumulations reaching between 15 to 20 cm. This forecast has prompted a yellow warning from Environment Canada, indicating the potential for hazardous travel conditions.

Snowfall Forecast and Warnings

The warning issued by Environment Canada was officially lifted just after 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday. It follows a series of winter storms that have characterized January 2026, driven primarily by an Alberta Clipper weather system.

Location Specifics

• Kitchener and Waterloo: Snow events commence at 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday
• Wellesley and Woolwich: Snow events begin at 11:59 p.m.
• City of Cambridge: A snow event will take effect Thursday at 7 a.m.

Weather Updates

As the storm peaked around midday, Allister Aalders, a Meteorologist with 570, commented that the region experienced a lighter impact than initially expected. However, strong westerly winds, with gusts up to 60 km/h, may lead to lake effect flurries in the Waterloo Region during the evening.

Additional Snowfall Expectations

Residents should prepare for an extra 1 to 5 cm of snow overnight. While snowfall may begin to ease, flurries are expected to persist into Thursday morning.

Impact on Travel

Road conditions are likely to remain hazardous. Therefore, motorists are advised to exercise caution or, if possible, avoid driving during the storm. For timely traffic updates, listeners can tune into 570 NewsRadio.

Cold Weather Ahead

Looking beyond the snowfall, Aalders warns of a significant drop in temperatures. By Friday night, temperatures may plummet to -24°C, with daytime highs around -15°C on Saturday. Saturday night could see temperatures dipping below -20°C, and a chilly -13°C is expected for Sunday.

Safety Precautions

Residents are advised to dress warmly, especially vulnerable groups such as children and seniors. Essential winter gear, including scarves, mittens, gloves, and toques, should be used in the coming days.

For more detailed information on available warming centers in the Waterloo Region, residents can refer to the Region of Waterloo’s official website.