After some sunshine and mild weather through the first week of February, Waterloo Region is getting set to dip back into winter to end the work week, with two weather alerts now in effect calling for blowing snow and cold temperatures.
It’s set to begin with snow throughout the morning commute, with Environment Canada calling for as much as 4 to 8 cm of snow to fall before the day is done. The forecast predicts that the worst of it will fall throughout the morning commute.
According to 570’s Weather Specialist Denise Andreacchi, the region shouldn’t be hit quite as hard as it’s been predicted, expecting closer to the 2 to 4 cm range when it comes to that snowfall.
“We do have some light snow falling. It is pretty light in nature, so it’s not the huge impact when it comes to the weather today,” Andreacchi stated. “It’s the blowing snow that’s going to be more of a nuisance on and off.”
A yellow advisory for blowing snow is in effect across Waterloo Region, calling for gusting winds later in the day that could have an impact on the afternoon commute back home.
“With these winds and the decent snowpack that we already have, blowing snow is going to significantly reduce visibility,” said Andreacchi. “Winds are gusting 70 to 80 km/h today.”
It’s recommended that drivers show plenty of caution on the roadways throughout the region, with snowfall having an impact through the morning and blowing snow causing issues in the afternoon.
That’s not all when it comes to the wild winter weather that’s on the way for Waterloo Region, though, with those winds set to blow a deep cold into the weekend.
A yellow warning for cold temperatures has now been issued for Waterloo Region, expected to last through the night and into Saturday.
Friday night lows are expected to drop to the -20 C mark, with wind chills making it feel closer to -33 at times. It means frostbite will be a real concern, so it’s recommended to bundle up or avoid the outdoors altogether.
On the brighter side, while the Friday drive isn’t looking to be too enjoyable, Saturday looks to be a lot more pleasant.
Even though that frigid cold will stick around, with a high of just -15 C, Waterloo Region should be seeing plenty of sunshine throughout the day.
