Daily brief: Snow squalls intensify another day of cold across the country

Tuesday, January 6, 2015, 11:18 AM - It appears winter has reached the point of no return for Canadians, with snowfall accumulations breaking records in British Columbia and Arctic air proving fatal in Ontario, prompting officials to open the doors on local warming centres to keep people off the streets.

Here's what you need to know about what's happening in your region:

ATLANTIC CANADA

Two systems will be impacting parts of the eastern Canada Wednesday into Thursday.

• New Brunswick: Snow squall warnings are in effect along the Acadian Peninsula. Motorists are advised to drive with caution as visibility may be significantly reduced due to blowing snow.  Widespread extreme cold weather warnings due to wind chills across the province.
• Nova Scotia: "The heaviest snow for Nova Scotia is expected Wednesday evening into Thursday," says Weather Network meteorologist Matt Grinter.  Halifax is set to receive 5-8 centimetres overnight.

• Newfoundland: Back to back systems are bringing snow to the province today and tomorrow.  The second system will bring the heavier snow to the Avalon. Snowfall amounts will range from 5 cm in the west to nearly 20 cm in St. John's. Wind gusts of 70-90 k/h are possible along the southern shores.

ONTARIO/QUEBEC 

Extreme cold warnings remain in place in both provinces, with a blast of snow expected to create messy conditions during the Wednesday morning commute.

• Ontario: Arctic cold front slides through southern Ontario this morning as temperatures drop throughout the day. Gusty conditions and wind chills of -20 to -30 are possible. Heavy bands of lake effect snow off Lake Huron will gain intensity throughout the day Wednesday, and have prompted school and bus cancellations in parts of southwestern Ontario. Both the winds and snow are expected to ease by tonight.
• Quebec: Bundle up this morning! "The intense cold will persist over the coming days," Environment Canada says in a statement.

PRAIRIES

• Manitoba and Saskatchewan:  Light snow across both provinces today with snowfall amounts between 2-5 cm, with less than 2 cm expected in Winnipeg.  Bitter cold temperatures continue through the week.
• Alberta: Scattered snow showers will move through Alberta today, accompanied by a risk of freezing drizzle in Red Deer.  Most of the snow will be seen in the NW with 10-15 cm of snow throughout the day, with far less in the south. Winds will pick up through the day with gusts up to 80 km/h by the evening. An incoming chinook treats parts of the province to above seasonal temperatures, including Calgary, where the high could reach 2 degrees.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

The south will see a welcome break from the cold, but rising temperatures affect the state of the snowpack in higher elevations through the interior.

• Wednesday will see drier conditions along the south coast.  However, milder temperatures will elevate the avalanche risk through the interior.  Check for road closures and delays in your area before heading out today.
• Fog will also be a cause for concern during the morning commute along the Sunshine Coast due to limited visibility.