Expect messy morning commute as snowfall warning in effect for Waterloo region, Guelph and area

Pack your patience and bundle up because Thursday is going to be a snowy and cold day in Waterloo region, Guelph and Wellington County.

A yellow warning for snowfall has also been issued for Waterloo region and Guelph areas. Cambridge has declared a snow event is set to begin at 7 a.m.

Snowfall amounts of up to 10 cm are expected starting Wednesday evening and lasting through to Thursday afternoon before tapering off Thursday evening.

"A developing low pressure system will bring significant snowfall to much of southern Ontario. A sharp temperature drop leading to cold wind chills by Thursday morning, during ongoing snowfall, may add to the adverse weather conditions. Travel will likely be challenging," the warning said.

"Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Allow extra time for travel."

Ontario Provincial Police Sgt. Ed Sanchuk said on X, formerly Twitter, that motorists should be aware of changing weather conditions starting Wednesday afternoon.

"Drive according to the road and weather conditions, take your foot off the gas pedal, make sure that your vehicle is entirely cleared off of ice and snow," he said in the video post.

On top of the snow, temperatures are not expected to go above –11 C on Thursday.

Geoff Coulson, a weather preparedness meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, told CBC News it will "feel more like a –25 C at times" thanks to wind chill, making it one of the coldest days in Waterloo region so far this year.

Friday and the weekend will see more seasonal temperatures but then Coulson says people should be prepared for a prolonged return to colder-than-usual temperatures starting on Monday.

"January is traditionally the coldest month and certainly the weather up until this point, aside from some chilly weather to start off, January has been on the mild side. But that trend definitely looks like it's changing," he said.

Cambridge has already declared a snow event will begin at 7 a.m. on Thursday, meaning there's a ban on any on-street parking. Vehicles left on the street could be ticketed or towed.

"City snowplows clear roads based on provincial guidelines and a priority schedule with priority roads cleared first and residential roads cleared last. Residential roads are typically not salted, so snowpack will remain on the surface," the city said in a news release.

People are reminded sidewalks should be cleared 36 hours after snowfall has ended and snow shouldn't be shoveled onto the road.