Major storm threatens Maritimes as extreme cold continues in eastern Canada
The new year hasn’t brought much change to the bitterly cold conditions much of Canada is experiencing.
The relentless cold snap appears to be coming with us into 2018 after frigid temperatures were experienced across the country over the holidays. Expect it to be especially frigid this week from Winnipeg to Moncton, N.B.
Below are some of the temperatures being forecasted in Canadian cities, according to the Weather Network, which does not include the wind chill, as of noon Tuesday.
Winnipeg: -24 C (Wednesday)
Thunder Bay, Ont.: -30 C (Thursday)
Toronto: -27 C (Friday)
Ottawa: -29 C (Saturday)
Montreal: -28 C (Saturday)
Quebec City: -28 C (Saturday)
Moncton, N.B.: -24 C (Saturday)
Cold air from the Arctic has pushed temperatures so low that even parts of Florida are seeing models calling for negative temperatures this week, the Weather Network forecasts.
However, temperatures are projected to climb by next week in eastern Canada, according to forecasts.
‘Massive’ storm brewing
If you thought the bone-chilling conditions was the worst of it, you may not want to hear about the nor’easter beginning to brew over the Atlantic Ocean. Maritimers are being warned about a potentially serious snow storm this week.
In a statement published Tuesday morning, Environment Canada predicts the “major winter storm” will slam into New Brunswick by late Thursday, bringing 20 to 30 centimetres of snow, according to estimates.
“Potential impacts from this storm include possible power outages, deteriorating travel conditions or delays, and potential school disruptions,” Environment Canada warns.
The Weather Network is calling the system “intensely powerful,” adding there’s a chance 40 cm of snow could fall on New Brunswick after it travels up the U.S. eastern seaboard.
Wind gusts of up to 90 km/h could be felt in some areas of the Maritimes. Strong winds plus heavy snow usually means poor visibility, especially for motorists. There’s also a chance the storm system produces massive waves in the Atlantic Ocean. Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland are also expected to be impacted.
AccuWeather senior meteorologist Brett Anderson writes this system containing a “highly amplified jet stream pattern” has the potential to be a “monster of a storm.”
Canadians aren’t alone in bracing for this storm, which Accuweather refers to as “massive.” New England is also in its path and is expected to receive 15 to 30 cm of snow.
The forecast models are still developing for this storm, but how and where this system develops could make a big difference for people living along on the Atlantic coast.
