Residents in St. Thomas, Ontario, should prepare for the coldest weather of the season so far as a blast of Arctic air and a potential snowstorm are forecast between Jan. 24 and Jan. 26, 2026. According to Environment Canada MetNotes, temperatures are expected to drop sharply on Friday night, with wind chills making it feel colder than −25°C. Forecasters say a low‑pressure system to the south could bring snow on Sunday; some models show 10–15 cm for the St. Thomas–Elgin area, though meteorologists warn the storm track remains uncertain and totals could be lower or higher depending on its path.
To keep roads safe, the City of St. Thomas winter maintenance team will deploy its plow fleet and service the city’s 18+ snowplow routes, prioritizing main arterial roads and designated bus routes. City policy notes that de‑icing becomes much less effective at very low temperatures (salt efficacy drops significantly in sub‑zero conditions), so crews may use sand‑salt mixes or other treatments to help vehicles gain traction. High winds and blowing snow are also expected, which could reduce visibility and cause drifting on treated roads.
The timing of the snowfall could cause problems for commuters and students returning to school on Monday morning. The Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) typically announces bus cancellations early in the morning (around 6:30 a.m.) based on road and weather conditions. Local transit service (Railway City Transit) may also experience delays if heavy snow or extreme cold affects vehicle performance, including batteries and hydraulic systems.
The Weather Network attributes the sudden shift to a southward surge of polar‑vortex‑driven Arctic air. Local media have already reported bus cancellations and some school disruptions earlier this month; however, forecasters say this weekend could represent the first system‑wide major snow event for the region if the storm tracks north enough. Residents are encouraged to monitor Environment Canada and local warnings, check school and transit updates, and stay indoors during the worst of the extreme cold.
