Winter storms and unstable weather conditions are affecting large parts of Canada, with heavy snowfall, freezing rain, fog, and rainfall warnings issued across multiple provinces, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.
In Western Canada, several regions in southern Alberta are under yellow weather warnings, indicating moderate impacts from heavy snowfall. Cities including Calgary and Banff are expected to experience significant snow accumulation and reduced visibility due to blowing snow.
More severe orange-level warnings have been issued for areas east of Calgary, where up to 25 to 40 centimetres of snow is forecast. Strong northwest winds are also contributing to hazardous travel conditions and near-zero visibility in some locations. Officials say snowfall is expected to taper off by Thursday night.
In Manitoba, a winter storm is forecast to move into southern areas, including Winnipeg, from Thursday morning into Friday. Snowfall totals are expected to range between 4 and 8 centimetres in lower elevations, with up to 15 centimetres in higher terrain.
Parts of southern Saskatchewan are also under snowfall warnings, with 10 to 15 centimetres expected in many areas and localized totals reaching 25 centimetres. Travel along major routes such as the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 11 is expected to be difficult due to accumulating snow and reduced visibility. Some regions are also dealing with freezing rain, which is expected to ease by Thursday morning.
In central and eastern Canada, Ontario is facing a mix of fog advisories, snow statements, and rainfall warnings. Cities including Toronto could see up to 20 millimetres of rain, with showers and possible thunderstorms expected through the day before easing by Thursday night. Officials warn that saturated ground conditions from previous rainfall may worsen the impact of additional precipitation.
In northern Ontario, dense fog advisories have been issued around areas such as Lake Superior Park, with visibility expected to drop close to zero at times.
Quebec is also under fog advisories and special weather statements, with widespread fog expected to reduce visibility in the morning hours before improving later in the day. Travel conditions are expected to remain hazardous in some locations.
Aside from a yellow snowfall warning for Qikiqtarjuaq in Nunavut, no other major alerts were in effect across the remaining provinces and territories as of late morning.
