Brace for Cold Weather and Snow in Waterloo Region

Get your hats, mittens, and warm drinks ready because cold temperatures are on the way for Waterloo region and surrounding areas.

Wednesday began with mild weather, but that will change quickly in the afternoon as a cold front arrives. The temperature will drop from 2 C to -5 C during the day, then fall even further to -13 C overnight, feeling like -24 C.

On Thursday, we can expect a high of only -11 C, which is lower than what’s typical for this time of year.

“It’s going to feel more like a -25 at times [Thursday] with that wind chill. So one of the coldest days we’ve had in the Kitchener-Waterloo area since back on New Year’s Day,” Geoff Coulson, a weather preparedness meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, told .

Snowfall warning

As of Wednesday afternoon, there’s also a yellow snowfall warning for Waterloo region and Guelph areas.

Total snowfall could reach up to 10 cm starting Wednesday evening and lasting into Thursday afternoon before tapering off later that day.

“A developing low pressure system will bring significant snowfall to much of southern Ontario. A sharp temperature drop leading to cold wind chills by Thursday morning, during ongoing snowfall, may add to the adverse weather conditions. Travel will likely be challenging,” the warning said.

‘A lot of winter left to go’

This weekend will bring more typical temperatures but Coulson mentions that everyone should get ready for a longer stretch of colder-than-usual weather starting Monday.

“January is traditionally the coldest month and certainly the weather up until this point, aside from some chilly weather at first, January has been on the mild side. But that trend definitely looks like it’s changing,” he said.

This means folks should keep their sweaters, winter coats, mittens, and hats handy.

“Probably not a good idea in January to be putting anything winter away,” he said. “February’s also known as a pretty chilly month as well. So unfortunately it looks like there’s still a lot of winter left to go.”

Ontario Provincial Police Sgt. Ed Sanchuk mentioned on X (formerly Twitter) that drivers should stay alert about changing weather conditions starting Wednesday afternoon.

“Please make sure that you pay attention to the weather, plan ahead, set your alarm clock just a little bit earlier so you can get up a little bit earlier especially if you have to travel,” he said in a video posted Wednesday morning ahead of expected snowfall in parts of southern Ontario.

“Drive according to road and weather conditions; take your foot off the gas pedal; make sure your vehicle is completely cleared off ice and snow; and with dropping temperatures just be aware there could be some freezing as well.”

The Environment Canada forecast for Waterloo region:

Wednesday: temperature expected to fall to -5 C in the afternoon then -13 C in the evening and -24 C overnight. Flurries are expected.
Thursday: flurries at start transitioning into sun mixed with clouds in the afternoon. High -11 C.
Friday: periods of snow with a high of -2 C.
Saturday: cloudy skies with a 60 per cent chance of flurries and high reaching -2 C.
Sunday: cloudy again with 40 per cent chance of flurries; high around -6 C.
Monday: cloudy skies along with 60 per cent chance of flurries; high near -7 C.

If anyone needs warmth from outside they can head over to city hall buildings throughout the region or visit libraries or some community centers for shelter.>

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