It’s been a wintry start to the new decade across the country, and it’s beginning to look like the season's crazy conditions are only going to get worse. In fact, according to Environment Canada’s weather warnings on Thursday, there’s only one place in the whole country that’s pleasant-ish to be in right now, and that’s New Brunswick! Across the rest of the country though, things aren't looking so hot. Every other Canadian province and territory has some kind of weather warning, statement or advisory in place from the government agency. With everything from storm surges and blizzards, to hurricane-force winds and extreme cold in the forecast, the country is currently facing the worst possible weather conditions. In Western Canada, Yukon and the Northwest Territories deal with the bone-chilling Arctic temps, meanwhile, Newfoundland is bracing for a blizzard with up to 70 cm of snow. Over in Nova Scotia, serious wind is posing a threat to locals, while Ontario’s snow squall is expected to dangerously reduce visibility in the province. As winter wages war on the majority of our home and native land, it's New Brunswick who has the least-concerning weather right now. That said, with temperatures in the province sitting around -8 C and snowfall still expected in the region, it's hardly ideal conditions! Wherever you are in the Great White North right now, here's a look at what's going on across the rest of the country in the coming hours and days. Alberta View this post on Instagram There’s a reason why Edmonton is called the ‘Winter City’. With tons of winter festivals, cross-country ski trails throughout the river valley, and winter patios galore, Edmonton makes it easy to go play outside no matter what the thermometer is reading. Photo by @danschyk | #ExploreAlberta A post shared by Travel Alberta (@travelalberta) on Jan 13, 2020 at 2:51pm PST If you’re in Alberta, you might want to grab your coat, hat, scarf and gloves, and that’s just to sit inside! Almost the whole of the province is under an “extreme cold” advisory right now, and Environment Canada is predicting temperatures will plummet somewhere between -45 and -50 C. These bone-chilling conditions are expected to last throughout the weekend, and into Sunday in some areas. The government's report warns locals to look out for symptoms of extreme-cold, such as chest pain, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes. Yikes. Stay warm Alberta. British Columbia View this post on Instagram Here’s some exciting news to warm your hearts on this cold winter’s day! 💙 The Sea to Sky Gondola will be reopening ahead of schedule on February 14th after an unexpected closure back in August due to a criminal act of vandalism. The reopening comes just in time for Family Day Long Weekend with the gondola welcoming guests back with 50% off lift tickets all weekend long in celebration of the love and support they received from their community during the closure. We're thrilled for our friends at the @seatoskygondola and we hope you are too! Photo by @tovogueorbust #exploreBC A post shared by Destination British Columbia (@hellobc) on Jan 14, 2020 at 5:38pm PST As far as the weather is concerned, there’s a bit of everything going on over in British Columbia. Alongside several extreme cold warnings across the region, there’s also a snow storm expected for the Boundary area of the province. A Pacific storm is expected to drop heavy snow in some parts of the region, with total snowfall accumulations of up to 40 cm. Additionally, there’s an arctic outflow warning in place for the central coast, as well as a snowfall advisory for Fraser Canyon and other areas. If that wasn’t bad enough, there’s also a blizzard statement in place, cautioning of gusty winds and visibility near zero. Manitoba View this post on Instagram Your next vacation is at a research station in the wilds of Manitoba's subarctic. Did you know that the Churchill Northern Studies Centre (@churchillnsc) offers learning vacations to their unique facility? The next two sessions focus on the spectacular northern lights, February 14 to 19 and March 14 to 19. #exploremb #explorecanada A post shared by Travel Manitoba (@travelmanitoba) on Jan 10, 2020 at 6:27am PST Similar to Alberta, it’s going to get pretty chilly in Manitoba over the next few days. According to a new set of statements from Environment Canada, “a period of very cold wind chills is expected,” and temperatures may feel even lower than -50 C. Their report reminds locals that extreme negative temps “puts everyone at risk,” and that frostbit can develop within moments on exposed skin. If you had plans to do literally anything out of the house this weekend, cancel them Manitoba! Newfoundland and Labrador View this post on Instagram Now departing modernity. 📸: @tomcochrane, Woody Point #ExploreNL #ExploreCanada A post shared by Newfoundland Labrador Tourism (@newfoundlandlabrador) on Jan 15, 2020 at 11:22am PST Brace yourselves Newfoundland, a storm is a-brewing! The government agency is telling locals to prepare for an enormous blizzard on Thursday, as several serious weather warnings have been issued across the Avalon Peninsula, Burin, Bonavista, Clarenville, and St. John's. Hurricane-strength winds of up to 140 km/h are expected on Thursday night, with up to 70 cm of blowing snow in the Avalon and Bonavista regions. The wild conditions will begin on Thursday afternoon, lasting through Friday and potentially even into the weekend. Nova Scotia View this post on Instagram Throwback to winter days and the perfect conditions for a game of pond hockey. || Featured Photo by @DaveyandSky #visitnovascotia #explorecanada A post shared by Nova Scotia (@visitnovascotia) on Dec 19, 2019 at 12:52pm PST For Nova Scotians, it seems there’s going to be wind, wind and a little more wind. According to Environment Canada’s wind warning, which is in place in several areas across the province, northerly winds of up to 100 km/h are on their way, affecting eastern mainland Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island. Beginning on Thursday night, the strong gusts will continue into Friday evening, making driving conditions increasingly dangerous. Ontario View this post on Instagram Horse drawn carriages, historic buildings, and twinkle lights make Niagara-on-the-Lake feel like a snow globe come to life in wintertime. 📷 @vincentzhangyi 📍 @Visit_Niagara #DiscoverON | #explorecanadacontest A post shared by Ontario Travel (@ontariotravel) on Nov 26, 2019 at 7:00am PST For Ontario south, there’s a number of snow squall warnings in place, which will significantly reduce visibility in the affected areas. Around 15 cm of snowfall is predicted in southern Ontario over the next 24 hours, and strong winds of up to 50 km/h will cause areas of blowing snow. Because local travel is expected to be so hazardous, the government recommends postponing non-essential trips until conditions improve on Friday. Prince Edward Island View this post on Instagram Embracing our winter wonderland 🌲❄️ . Photo: @melissahardingphotography #discovercharlottetown #explorepei A post shared by Discover Charlottetown (@discovercharlottetown) on Jan 16, 2020 at 5:41am PST In comparison with the rest of the country, things are looking pretty good over in P.E.I. There’s only one Environment Canada advisory in place, and it’s a “special weather statement” in effect for Kings County. Strong winds of up to 90 km/h are coming, causing higher than normal water levels along the north coast. This will cause tall waves, which could turn into coastal flooding and overwash. The highest risk will be on Thursday night and Friday. Stay away from the shoreline, islanders! Quebec View this post on Instagram 2020 est arrivée! Que cette année soit remplie de rencontres inspirantes, de souvenirs marquants, d'instants de lâcher-prise et de découvertes (au Québec, idéalement 😉). Bonne année! // 2020 is here! May this year be full of inspiring connections, big moments and opportunities to let go and broaden your horizons (in Québec, we hope 😉)! Happy New Year! . 📸 : @manucoveney . #quebecoriginal #explorecanada #explorezsansfin #beautifuldestinations A post shared by QuébecOriginal (@tourismequebec) on Jan 1, 2020 at 7:06am PST Can you feel the chill yet, Quebec? According to Environment Canada, freezing temperatures are heading your way over the next 48 hours, with lows of -45 C on Thursday night and Friday morning. While the advisories are mainly in place in southern Quebec, the northern region of Fermont is also likely to be affected. A period of very cold wind chills is also expected, which will make the painful conditions feel even worse. Saskatchewan View this post on Instagram There may be snow on the ground, but camping reservations to Prince Albert National Park and Grasslands National Park are now open! Which park will you choose: The lush boreal forest in the north, or the vast grasslands in the south with one of Canada's darkest dark sky preserves? #ExploreSask #ParksCanada #ExploreCanada 📷 Beautiful photo of Prince Albert National Park looking like a winter wonderland by @b.tataryn A post shared by Saskatchewan (@tourismsask) on Jan 10, 2020 at 6:00am PST For residents of Saskatchewan, it’s looking like a chilly weekend ahead. According to the government agency’s extreme cold weather warnings, which are in place across the majority of the province, temperatures will drop to -50 C overnight on Thursday, with conditions improving by Friday morning. Sadly though, they will drop significantly again by Friday night, with the frigid feelings “likely to persist through the weekend.” Cancel your plans and stay home, -50 C is too bitter to do anything! Northwest Territories View this post on Instagram It’s THIS cold today. Across much of the NWT, temperatures are dropping to -50C with the windchill. If you're here, stay warm ... and if you're planning on visiting, don't worry, this cold snap is expected to break soon! . 📷 @briony_grabke . #spectacularnwt #northwestterritories #northof60 #travel #explorecanada #canada #optoutside #extremecold #winter #frozen A post shared by spectacularnwt (@spectacularnwt) on Dec 18, 2019 at 9:44am PST If it was a cold competition, the Northwest Territories would definitely win. According to their Environment Canada warning, temperatures will plummet to -55 C over the next 24 hours, as a “multi-day episode” of freezing wind chill continues. Thankfully, cloud cover from the north should improve conditions in the next day or so. Nunavut View this post on Instagram Climbed a little hill -35 C ...thankful for the parka 🤙🏼 #littlehike #nunavut #canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #arctic #arcticbay #sunset #sunsetgram #beautiful #beautifuldestination #beautifuldestinations #snow #cold #explore #explorecanada #beautifulview #view #pilotlife #discovercanada #canadagoose #canadagoosejacket #snowmantra #parka A post shared by Michael (@adventuretofreedom) on Jan 13, 2020 at 12:32pm PST For Iqaluit, it’s yet another day of below-bearable conditions. A period of very cold wind chills is predicted on Thursday morning, as wind chill values place temperatures below -50 C. Stay snuggly, Nunavut! Yukon View this post on Instagram How is it possible the Yukon is even more beautiful under a blanket of snow?! 📷 @punkodelish #exploreyukon #explorecanada . . . . . #yukon #enjoycanada #tourcanada #natureaddict #earthpix #theoutbound #wildernessculture #nakedplanet #bestvacations #natgeo #travel A post shared by Travel Yukon (@travelyukon) on Nov 16, 2019 at 10:00am PST Like a lot of the country, it’s also bitterly cold over in Yukon. As temperatures sit around -45 C, Environment Canada urges locals to stay warm, and stay indoors where possible. Weather statements remain in place for the regions of Dawson, Whitehorse, Mayo and more, and residents are reminded to monitor alerts and forecasts on the government agency’s website. You can check the government's up-to-date weather advisories by clicking here. Wherever you are in Canada this week, wrap up warm and stay safe!
