Residents in Chatham, Ontario should prepare for a dangerous drop in temperature and blowing snow starting Friday night, February 6, 2026. Environment Canada reports that the recent mild weather will be replaced by a blast of Arctic air, causing temperatures to plunge to minus 17 degrees Celsius.
The sudden change is expected to cause a flash freeze, turning slush and wet roads into solid ice very quickly. High winds will also create blowing snow throughout the weekend, which may cause poor visibility for drivers on local roads and highways.
Experts at the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority are keeping a close watch on the Thames River. They are monitoring for ice jams, which can happen when river ice breaks up during a thaw and then gets stuck during a fast freeze, potentially leading to flooding in low-lying areas.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is advising residents and has activated warming-centre supports to help protect vulnerable people. Anyone in need of a warm place to stay can go to Chatham Hope Haven at 183 Wellington Street West; the facility is regularly used as a local warming centre and hours may be extended during extreme cold—call ahead or check municipal postings for the latest information.
Health officials advise residents to stay indoors when possible and to check on elderly neighbours and pets during the cold snap. The extreme weather is expected to persist through Sunday before temperatures begin to stabilize early next week.
