Weather alerts are in effect for much of the country Thursday, according to Environment Canada.
Canadians will experience contrasting weather throughout the day, from warmer temperatures in the Maritimes to extreme cold in parts of Ontario, the Prairies and the North.
Here’s what regions across Canada are facing Thursday, from east to west:
Newfoundland and Labrador
It will be dry but windy in Newfoundland and Labrador from morning until evening, with special weather statements in effect about “unseasonably warm” temperatures that are forecast to turn colder later in the day.
Most of Labrador is expected to experience the warm conditions, hitting a high of 25 C before temperatures are projected to rapidly drop to below freezing. The drastic shift in weather is expected to occur Thursday night in Western Labrador, and after midnight along the coast.
The conditions may make it more dangerous for commuters.
“While the expected temperature drop will not be severe enough to trigger a flash freeze warning, residual water ponding from today’s rainfall and associated snowmelt will freeze quickly as the temperature falls,” Environment Canada wrote. “Surfaces such as roads, walkways, and parking lots are likely to become icy and slippery.”
Wreckhouse wind warnings, flagging a significant risk of damaging winds, are in effect for the Channel-Port aux Basques area, on the southern tip of Newfoundland. Wind gusts could reach up to 110 km/h. Environment Canada is cautioning residents to adjust their driving amid the strong winds.
A wind warning is also in effect for the north-central Labrador from overnight Thursday until near noon Friday, with maximum gusts of 100 km/h along parts of the coast.
“Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur,” according to Environment Canada. “Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage.”
Nova Scotia
Wind warnings are in effect for many areas of Nova Scotia, with maximum gusts of 90 km/h in the Halifax area.
“Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage,” Environment Canada wrote. “High winds may result in power outages and fallen tree branches.”
A Les-Suêtes Wind Warning is in effect for Cape Breton Island from morning to afternoon, with “very strong” and potentially damaging wind gusts that may reach up to 120 km/h, according to Environment Canada.
New Brunswick
A special weather statement was in effect for parts of New Brunswick including Moncton and the southeast region and the province’s northern Bathurst and Chaleur Region. An intense cold front moved across the province Thursday morning, with rain and strong southerly winds at a maximum of 80 kilometres per hour.
Western New Brunswick and the Fundy Coast had a rainfall warning in effect, with up to 15 millimetres expected Thursday morning. Environment Canada warned drivers about the potential hazardous conditions from heavy downpours.
Quebec
Quebec has a mix of weather, according to the department, with warnings of wind, rainfall and winter storms. A major weather system will affect the province over the next few days, with hazardous winter conditions, snowfall of up to 35 cm and strong winds of up to 90 km/h.
Residents are advised to postpone non-essential travel. Areas such as Ungava Peninsula and Ungava Bay have blizzard warnings, with periods of zero visibility expected from Thursday afternoon to Friday.
Ontario
Many parts of Ontario have warnings for extreme cold, snow squalls, blizzards and wind. Extreme cold will hit the area northwest of Thunder Bay, with wind chill values near minus 40 on Friday morning. Environment Canada is warning residents to cover up to avoid frostbite and keep emergency supplies in their vehicles like extra blankets and jumper cables.
Conditions are also hazardous in areas of southern Ontario. The Stratford, Ont. area has a snow squall warning, with precipitation of up to 20 cm by Friday and wind gusts of up to 70 km/h. The worst conditions are likely to occur this morning, and the highest snowfall amounts are expected near Lake Huron, according to Environment Canada.
“Snow squalls cause weather conditions to vary considerably; changes from clear skies to heavy snow within just a few kilometres are common,” Environment Canada wrote. “Road closures are possible. Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.”
Saskatchewan and Manitoba
A cold, arctic air mass in parts of southern Saskatchewan and southern Manitoba will make it extra chilly.
Areas of Saskatchewan are under extreme cold warnings, with Regina expected to experience extreme wind-chill values of -40 or even lower.
“These cold temperatures combined with northerly winds of 10 to 15 km/h will produce extreme wind chill values of minus 40 and colder,” Environment Canada wrote. “Temperatures will begin to moderate in Saskatchewan this afternoon, and the extreme cold will end. But, expect the extreme cold to linger in Manitoba Thursday night into Friday morning.”
Similarly, parts of Manitoba have extreme cold warnings, with extreme wind chill expected to plunge to -40 and lower for Winnipeg.
Alberta and British Columbia
While some of the most severe weather this week will miss Western Canada, many areas of Alberta and British Columbia have fog advisories, which will make travelling hazardous.
Nunavut
With the potential of a brewing snowstorm, Environment Canada is advising against travelling in parts of Nunavut. A winter storm watch and wind warnings will affect the territory.
Possible blizzard conditions may develop in the Inuit hamlet of Clyde River on Friday morning with potential gusts nearing 90 km/h and poor visibility, but conditions are forecast to improve by Saturday morning.
Severe winds, light snow and blowing snow are expected to hit Iqaluit and the Kimmirut, but conditions are expected to improve Friday morning. Iqaluit has a wind warning, with gusts expected to top 90 km/h on Thursday night.
“Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur. Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage,” Environment Canada wrote. “Utility outages may occur.”
Northwest Territories and Yukon
Hazardous conditions are expected in the Fort Simpson region including Jean Marie River. The snowfall warning forecasts about 10 cm of snowfall overnight and Friday morning.
Yukon will also see blizzard conditions in Dempster from Thursday to Friday morning.