Significant cross-country storm will impact most of Canada this week
A major system is poised to sweep across Canada, bringing active weather as it moves from heavy alpine snowfall in British Columbia through the Prairies, Ontario, Quebec, and into the Maritimes
A powerful low pressure system will move across Canada this week, shaping weather conditions nationwide.
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Western Canada
A strengthening low from the Pacific is set to impact British Columbia’s South Coast and Sunshine Coast through Tuesday. Coastal mountains and the Columbias at elevations above 1,000 m could see 40-50 cm of heavy alpine snow, raising avalanche risks and likelihood of travel disruptions through mountain passes.
The Lower Mainland will receive significant rainfall, with 20-30 mm in Vancouver and 50-75 mm in the eastern Fraser Valley, creating localized flooding risks.
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Wind gusts of 50-70 km/h are expected late Tuesday, potentially leading to power outages.
By Tuesday evening, snow will spread into the Rockies and Edmonton, with 5-15 cm of accumulation likely across the Prairies by Wednesday.
Saskatchewan is expected to see the heaviest snow, while cold air could trigger upsloping snow in southern Alberta Wednesday evening.
Eastern Canada
The low will bring flurries to northern Ontario on Wednesday, with rain reaching southern and eastern Ontario by Thursday morning.
Ottawa and Montreal could see rain, snow, or a mix, depending on the storm’s track.
Temperatures will drop below seasonal levels on Friday, struggling to exceed 0°C in Toronto. Wind chills could push Ottawa and parts of the snowbelt below -10°C.
The system will wrap up in Atlantic Canada on Friday, bringing heavy snow and rainfall. Further details on precipitation type and location will depend on the storm’s exact trajectory.
A cooldown will follow into Saturday.