Widespread snow, freezing rain, and strong winds forecast as cross-country storm impacts Canada
A cross-country storm is forecast to affect multiple regions of Canada from March 23 through midweek, bringing snow to western and central areas before spreading mixed precipitation and stronger impacts into parts of Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada. The highest-confidence snowfall totals, reaching 20 to 40 cm (8 to 16 inches) in parts of Newfoundland and elsewhere in Atlantic Canada, are expected to create hazardous travel conditions, reduced visibility, and local transport disruptions.
Satellite image acquired at 17:40 UTC on March 23, 2026. Credit: NOAA/GOES-West, RAMMB/CIRA, The Watchers
A large-scale low-pressure system is forecast to move across Canada from March 23 through midweek, producing a multi-phase winter weather event as it progresses from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic region.
The system is expected to begin with heavy snowfall in the mountainous regions of British Columbia before tracking eastward and strengthening over central Canada.
As the system crosses the Prairies, it is forecast to reorganize and intensify. This evolution is typical of large Canadian winter storms, where cold Arctic air interacts with warmer, moisture-laden air masses, supporting widespread precipitation and strengthening winds.
Snowfall totals and distribution across the Prairies remain uncertain due to limited high-confidence forecast data.
The most significant impacts are forecast across Ontario, where the system is expected to produce a combination of snow, rain, and freezing rain. Northern areas are likely to see snow predominantly, while southern regions may experience mixed precipitation, including ice accretion.
Winds are forecast to reach around 40 km/h (25 mph), with gusts up to 70 km/h (43 mph), leading to reduced visibility and hazardous travel conditions. Localized blizzard conditions are possible in northeastern Ontario, where snowfall and strong winds overlap.
The storm is expected to continue into Quebec with a similar structure, although detailed quantitative forecasts remain limited. Mixed precipitation along a transition corridor may increase the risk of icing, but confidence in exact accumulation and distribution remains lower than in Ontario.
The system is forecast to reach Atlantic Canada during its latter phase, where the highest-confidence impacts are expected. Widespread snowfall totals of 10–40 cm (4–16 inches) are forecast, with locally higher amounts in parts of Newfoundland.
Snowfall rates may reach 1–3 cm (0.4–1.2 inches) per hour, with localized intensities up to 5 cm (2 inches) per hour during peak periods. Winds of 30–60 km/h (19–37 mph) may produce blowing snow and significantly reduced visibility.
The combination of heavy snowfall and strong winds in Atlantic Canada is likely to result in difficult travel conditions, including road closures and delays in air transport. Forecast guidance indicates that the interaction or merging of low-pressure features in this region may enhance snowfall intensity and prolong hazardous conditions.
References:
1 Significant cross-country storm will impact most of Canada this week – The Weather Network – March 23, 2026.
2 Up to 40 cm east coast faces winter wallop as storm packs a punch – The Weather Network – March 22, 2026.
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.