Niagara faces week of cold weather after first snowfall
But forecast says December-February could be warmer than usual
Niagara’s first snowfall Thursday will be followed by belownormal temperatures, according to Environment Canada.
The weather agency forecasts daytime highs of 1C Friday (wind chill -9C in the morning), 4C Saturday, 7C Sunday, -1C Monday, -1C Tuesday and 1C Wednesday.
“If you look at the forecast, in the next 14 days, this cold air mass will dominate the Niagara region,” said meteorologist Gerald Cheng.
“Our normal daytime high should be about 10 degrees, and if you look at the forecast we’re nowhere near and that will last some time,” he said.
“It’s the arctic air invading the region and that’s why we’re looking at below-seasonal temperatures.” He said motorists should be aware of potential snow conditions in the coming days.
“Because the temperatures are so close to the freezing mark, any disturbances that move through we have to worry ... that it will give not just rain, but also the possibility of snow.”
Cheng said driving conditions could be tricky as many people haven’t yet installed snow tires on their vehicles.
“This is sort of the transitional period where there’s a long lineup, it seems, at every mechanic,” he said. “I think people are trying to get ready for the (winter) season, but it’s come a little early. It will take some time for people to get used to this type of weather and adjust to these different driving conditions.”
While Niagara is in a cold stretch with December-like temperatures in early November, Cheng said there are indications December, January and February could produce slightly above-normal temperatures and near-normal precipitation.
“These forecasts tend to change, just like our short-term forecast, we adjust to conditions and we have to update them daily,” he said.