Extreme cold and snow squall warnings blanket Ontario
No one is calling Wiarton Willie a liar, but since he predicted an early spring on Thursday in Wiarton, Ont. it has not stopped snowing, and the temperature has dropped a whopping 15 degrees.
Those snow squalls and cold temperatures have prompted road closures and school bus cancellations across Bruce, Huron, and Middlesex counties. Even some arenas and pools have been closed because of the nasty weather.
Police are warning people in midwestern Ontario not to travel unless they absolutely have to.
“Hopefully the wind doesn’t pick up any stronger than it is, because that’ll make for even more white out conditions,” said Huron County OPP Const. Craig Soldan.
If that were not enough, it is bone-chilling cold outside too. Frostbite and extreme cold warnings have been issued for much of Ontario.
Snow squalls and extreme cold have paralyzed much of southern and midwestern Ontario on Feb. 3, 2023, including in Wingham, Ont. (Scott Miller/CTV News London)
“It’s freezing out, but it’s nice, beautiful. I like it. It’s wintertime. It’s what we get, right,” said Shareen Millman.
“I was actually supposed to be on my way to Goderich, then I saw that Highway 21 was closed, so I’m on my way back home now,” says Mary Tolliverton. “As far as the cold goes, I like it. It’s been too mild a winter, so I don’t mind it for a few weeks,” she said.
This weather is only expected to last for 24 to 48 hours, so while Wiarton Willie’s early spring prediction seems far fetched on Friday, by next week, it may come true, with temperatures back above freezing, and with the potential of rain in the forecast.
“Hopefully it is an early spring. It’s minus 30 with the wind chill, right now, plus four [degrees] or five [degrees] next week, so I’m looking forward to that,” said Steve Himell.
Until then, if you have to travel the next couple of days, prepare yourself before heading out, police caution.
“Make sure your vehicle is full of fuel, cell phone is topped up to 100 per cent. I would toss in a blanket, if you have to head out on the roads. Lots of layers. Some snacks in case get stuck, because it could be a couple of hours before someone can reach you,” said Soldan.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
W5 investigates | Priest, neighbours issue plea for help for struggling international students in Cape Breton
Cape Breton University has more than doubled in size by enrolling thousands of international students, and critics say the campus and community weren't ready. Watch the documentary 'Cash Cow' on CTV W5, Saturday at 7 p.m.

A glass of wine or beer per day is fine for your health: new study
A new Canadian study of 4.8 million people says a daily alcoholic drink isn't likely to send anyone to an early grave, nor will it offer any of the health benefits touted by previous studies, even if it is organic red wine.
Federal minimum wage, taxes on alcohol: Here's what's changing in Canada April 1
The federal minimum wage is increasing from $15.55 per hour to $16.65, and taxes are going up on gas and alcohol nationwide starting April 1.
W5 profile | The Canadian who creates the real, but fake, sounds in Hollywood blockbuster films
W5 profiles the man who makes the sounds for breaking bones and squealing tires in Hollywood’s biggest films; and he does it from a small town in Ontario. Watch 'Sound Farms' at 7 p.m. on CTV W5.
Recent immigrants more likely to have confidence in Parliament, Canadian media: Statistics Canada
Statistics Canada has released its new report about the Canadians level of confidence in Canada’s institutions, finding that recent immigrants are more likely to express confidence in the media and parliament.
Afghan women cyclists who escaped the Taliban are chasing their dreams in Canada
After the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan and banned sports for female athletes, Afghan women cyclists are chasing their dreams in Canada.
Unable to leave Syria, mothers of Canadian children forfeit repatriation to keep their families together
In a choice forced upon them by the Canadian government, four mothers have made the agonizing decision to forfeit an opportunity to repatriate their children from open air prisons in northeast Syria.
MP Han Dong issues libel notice to Global News over China interference reporting
Lawyers representing Toronto MP Han Dong served Global News with a libel notice on Friday over reports that alleged he spoke to a Chinese diplomat in February 2021 about delaying the release of the two Michaels, and that he was a 'witting affiliate' of Chinese interference networks – allegations that Dong denies.
Here's what to expect from the Canadian cottage market this year
A recent report from Royal LePage is predicting a drop in prices for Canadian cabins and cottages this year as demand softens from economic uncertainty and low housing stock.