Toronto, ON — Canadians across the country are being urged to bundle up and prepare for a blast of early winter weather this weekend, as temperatures drop and the first significant snowfalls of the season make their appearance from coast to coast. Environment Canada meteorologists report that much of the nation will see a mix of rain, flurries, and freezing temperatures as cold Arctic air settles in.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, Saturday will begin with a mix of sun and cloud before a low-pressure system moves in overnight, bringing up to 40 mm of rain to parts of Newfoundland and light flurries to higher elevations in Labrador.
Across the Maritimes, a wet weekend is expected as a system moves through the region, with rain developing overnight Friday and continuing through Saturday. Light snow is possible in parts of New Brunswick, while conditions will improve by Sunday with clearer skies and seasonal temperatures in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
The biggest shift is expected in Ontario, where forecasters warn of accumulating snow beginning Saturday morning. Between 2 and 10 centimetres of snow is expected in the Greater Toronto Area, London, Kingston, and Lake Simcoe regions, while Ottawa, Cornwall, and Prescott could see up to 15 cm by Sunday night. Meteorologists caution that changing temperatures around the freezing mark could make predicting precipitation tricky and driving conditions hazardous.
In Quebec, snowfall will arrive late Sunday, with up to 10 cm expected in Montreal and heavier accumulations in higher terrain areas such as the Laurentians, Quebec City, and Saguenay. The early snow could make for a slippery Monday morning commute.
Meanwhile, the Prairies are facing bitter cold. Temperatures are set to plunge to -20°C in parts of Saskatchewan, with snow and blowing snow expected in the Churchill region of northern Manitoba, creating possible blizzard conditions along the Hudson Bay coast. However, meteorologists predict a brief warm-up next week as milder air moves in from the West.
In British Columbia, the weekend brings a calm break after a stormy week. Southern B.C., including Vancouver and the interior, will enjoy sunny skies and seasonal temperatures on Saturday. In contrast, the north coast will see heavy rain, strong winds, and possible snow or freezing rain in the northern interior.
The Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut will experience mostly light snow and seasonal cold. A low-pressure system moving into the Northwest Territories Sunday night is expected to bring heavier snowfall north of Great Slave Lake, with rain and possible freezing rain farther south.
While the wintry weather marks an early taste of the season, meteorologists note that most areas will see temperatures return closer to normal by midweek. For now, Canadians are advised to take precautions for slippery roads, dress warmly, and prepare for a true November chill as winter begins to settle in.