Environment Canada has placed parts of southwestern Ontario under an orange snow squall watch, alerting residents to the potential for sudden, intense bursts of snow and hazardous travel conditions. The watch was issued on the afternoon of January 18, 2026.
What an Orange Snow Squall Watch Means
An orange-level watch is a significant weather alert indicating that conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous weather. In this case, it signals the risk of snow squalls—brief but violent periods of heavy snow accompanied by strong, gusty winds. These squalls can materialize with little warning, drastically reducing visibility to near zero in a matter of minutes and causing snow to accumulate rapidly on roads.
The agency warns that travel may become hazardous due to sudden whiteout conditions. Motorists are advised to be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and to consider postponing non-essential travel if squalls develop. The watch highlights the unpredictable nature of winter weather systems in the region.
Regional Context and Recent Weather
The alert comes just days after significant snowfall was recorded in the area. For instance, snow fell in Wingham, Ontario, on January 15, 2026, as documented by local media. This new watch suggests a continuing pattern of active winter weather affecting communities across the region.
While the specific municipalities under the watch were detailed in the original alert, the overarching message is for residents throughout the affected zone to remain vigilant. Environment Canada meteorologists monitor these situations closely and will upgrade the watch to a warning if snow squalls are imminent or occurring.
Staying Safe During Winter Squalls
Public safety officials emphasize preparedness during such alerts. Key recommendations include:
- Monitoring local weather forecasts and alerts for updates.
- If driving, reducing speed, using headlights, and maintaining a safe following distance.
- Being prepared to pull over safely if visibility drops suddenly.
- Ensuring emergency kits are available in vehicles with blankets, a flashlight, and extra warm clothing.
The issuance of this orange snow squall watch serves as a critical reminder for Ontarians to respect the power of winter storms. These localized but intense events can create dangerous situations quickly, underscoring the importance of heeding official weather warnings and planning accordingly.
