Gusty winds, rapid fall in temperature prompt special weather statement for Waterloo region and area
CBC
The mid-week warmup in Waterloo region, Guelph and area will abruptly come to an end on Friday, Environment and Climate Change Canada warns.
In a special weather statement, the agency said rain Thursday night will turn to flurries Friday morning, followed by "gusty winds and rapidly falling temperatures" throughout the day.
There is expected to be 10 mm to 20 mm of rain Thursday into Friday. Westerly and then northwesterly winds will gust to up to 80 km/h.
Where Thursday saw a high of 7 C, Friday's high is expected to be –4 C.
The quick drop in temperatures is the "result of a strong cold front passing through the area," the special weather statement says.
"Southerly winds will abruptly become westerly to northwesterly upon the passage of the cold front," the statement said. "Winds are expected to ease through Friday evening."
Travel by foot, bicycle or vehicle may be difficult at times because wet surfaces are expected to freeze over and become slippery.
Snow remains in the forecast for Saturday and Sunday with temperatures at 0 C on Saturday and –5 C on Sunday.
The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) issued a watershed conditions statement on Thursday saying significant flooding is not expected from the rain overnight Thursday.
But the GRCA did note "river flows in local waterways will be higher than normal for this time of year, increasing the risk in low-lying areas typically prone to flooding."
People are advised to use extreme caution near water as banks may be slippery and the water is very cold. People should also stay off the ice as it's currently unstable.
West Region Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) posted on X, formerly Twitter, that drivers should take extra care overnight and into Friday.
"Rapidly-changing temperatures could make roads and highways icy. Factor these risks into your travel plans," the OPP said.
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