Weather warnings for hazardous conditions in parts of Canada

Pictured in this screen capture are active weather alerts as of shortly after 3:30 PM Eastern Time, Dec. 12, 2024 (Credit: Environment Canada)

Weather alerts remained in effect for much of the country Thursday afternoon, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Canadians faced contrasting weather throughout the day, from warmer temperatures in the Maritimes to extreme cold in parts of Ontario, the Prairies and the North.

As of Thursday afternoon, no warnings or advisories were in place in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia or British Columbia.

Here's what regions across Canada faced, or are facing, Thursday, from east to west:

Newfoundland and Labrador

It was dry but windy in Newfoundland and Labrador from morning until evening, with special weather statements in effect about "unseasonably warm" temperatures that were expected to turn colder later in the day.

Most of Labrador experienced warm conditions, hitting a high of 25 C before temperatures were expected 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, remain in place for the Channel-Port aux Basques area, on the southern tip of Newfoundland, as of Thursday afternoon. 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 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."

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 min 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.

"Temperatures will begin to moderate in Saskatchewan this afternoon, and the extreme cold will end," Environment Canada wrote. "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

While most of this week's severe weather will miss Western Canada, sections of southern Alberta are under 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 wind, light snow and blowing snow are expected to hit Iqaluit and 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.

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 into Friday morning.