Heavy snow expected for Hamilton, Niagara region by mid-week – Hamilton | The Canadian News

Soon after a memorable snowstorm dropped between 30 to 60 cm of snow in Hamilton and Niagara regions, Canada’s weather agency says we could see something like it again this week.

Environment Canada issued a winter storm watch on Monday afternoon, suggesting heavy snow could dominate the forecast by mid-week bringing another 20 to 30 cm by Friday morning.

“Rain showers on Tuesday night will transition to snow by Wednesday morning,” the agency said.

“Visibility may be reduced in heavy snow and local blowing snow.”

Global News Chief Meteorologist Anthony Farnell said although the week will start off with a warm-up melting some of the lingering snow from Jan. 17, he says it could all be replaced come the weekend.

“It’s a long duration storm, kind of the opposite of what we had with that big blizzard a couple of weeks ago,” Farnell said.

“As you get from Hamilton towards the Niagara region back into London, Sarnia and Windsor, 20 to 30 centimeters is expected.”

The mid-January snowstorm forced blizzard warnings, extended remote learning for students, and slowed drivers on major Toronto-area highways with plows unable to match the snowfall.

According to Farnell, the culprits are a current blizzard coming across from the prairies, combining with moisture from the Gulf of Mexico.

“On Wednesday, we get that rather wet snow initially and then it accumulates overnight,” said Farnell.

“Wednesday, Thursday morning commute is going to be rough and then we’ll see.”

He went on to say the snowfall rates are expected to be slower than the previous storm with the possibility of lasting more than 48 hours.

The general forecast for Hamilton and Niagara Region is calling for snow and 0 C on Wednesday, more snow and -6 C on Thursday, before settling to just clouds and -9 C for Friday.