Disastrous Winter: 6 Cities of Canada Hit by Severe Snowfall in 2025

Introduction

Winter 2025 in Canada was unlike any other, with cities across the country facing snowfall levels that were both unexpected and severe. While Canada is no stranger to harsh winters, the magnitude of snowstorms in 2025 pushed even the most prepared cities to their limits. From transportation disruptions to emergency snow removal operations, these cities were forced to adjust quickly. 

What caused such extreme snowfalls, and how did it affect the daily lives of Canadians? In this article, we explore the cities of Canada hit by severe snowfall in 2025, shedding light on the impact of these snowstorms and the broader implications for the future of winter weather in the region.

​Over the past week, several Canadian cities have experienced significant snowfall, leading to challenging conditions for residents and infrastructure. Based on the latest reports, here’s a detailed overview of the situation in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and Winnipeg.​

Read also: 5 Most Extreme Climates on Earth That Make Survival Impossible

6 Cities of Canada Hit by Severe Snowfall in 2025

Snowfall Data and Conditions

Major Canadian Cities Hit by Extreme Winter

Toronto

Toronto received approximately 15 cm of snow on March 10, 2025, leading to a snow depth of about 20 cm. This heavy snowfall disrupted transportation, with numerous flight delays at Toronto Pearson International Airport and challenges in urban mobility due to snow-covered roads.​

Montreal

Montreal experienced a more severe impact, with 25 cm of snow accumulating on March 10, 2025, resulting in a snow depth of 30 cm. The substantial snowfall led to widespread school closures and significant delays in public transportation. Emergency services were on high alert to address any snow-related incidents.​

Vancouver

Vancouver, typically known for milder winters, saw an unusual snowfall of 5 cm on March 10, 2025, bringing the snow depth to 10 cm. While this may seem minimal compared to other cities, Vancouver’s infrastructure is not designed for heavy snow, leading to temporary disruptions.​

Calgary

Calgary received 10 cm of snow on March 10, 2025, resulting in a snow depth of 15 cm. The city experienced typical winter conditions, with snow removal operations functioning efficiently to maintain road safety.​

Edmonton

Edmonton’s March 10 snowfall amounted to 12 cm, increasing the snow depth to 18 cm. Residents faced typical winter challenges, but the city’s snow removal services ensured minimal disruption to daily activities.​

Winnipeg

Winnipeg experienced one of the heaviest snowfalls, with 20 cm on March 10, 2025, leading to a snow depth of 25 cm. The city activated emergency snow removal protocols to clear major roads and ensure public safety.

Read also: Unlock Bliss: Top 10 U.S. Cities with the Best Weather Year-Round You’ll Adore

Challenges Faced by the Locals and the Government

The severe winter of 2025, marked by significant snowfall, presented several challenges for both locals and government authorities in the cities of Canada hit by severe snowfall in 2025. Here are the key issues faced:

1. Transportation Disruptions:
   
   • One of the major challenges faced by residents in the cities of Canada hit by severe snowfall in 2025 was the disruption of transportation. In cities like Toronto and Montreal, snow accumulation made roads slippery, causing delays in public transit and private vehicles. The snow thickness, often reaching up to 30 cm, made driving hazardous and resulted in numerous accidents and road closures.
   • Airports, including Toronto Pearson and Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International, also experienced significant delays, affecting both domestic and international flights.
2. Snow Removal Efforts:
   
   • Snow removal was a major challenge in several Canadian cities hit by severe snowfall like Vancouver, where snow accumulation is rare. The snow thickness reached up to 10 cm in areas unaccustomed to heavy snow, leading to challenges in clearing roads and public spaces. Cities with higher snow levels, like Winnipeg, had to increase the number of snowplows and workers dedicated to snow clearance.
   • Local governments in these cities of Canada hit by severe snowfall in 2025 had to redirect resources to ensure that essential services and roads remained passable.
3. Power Outages:
   
   • As heavy snow accumulated, the weight of the snow on power lines caused widespread power outages in several affected cities, particularly in Montreal and Toronto. The locals in these Canadian cities hit by severe snowfall faced difficulties in maintaining heat and lighting in their homes during the cold winter.
4. Public Safety:
   
   • The severe winter of 2025 led to an increase in accidents, particularly in urban areas. Slippery sidewalks and roads caused slips and falls, leading to injuries. The government had to issue public safety advisories urging people to stay indoors unless necessary.

Read also: Cultural Differences Between Canada and the USA: 5 Unexpected Contrasts

Role of the Local Authority in Tackling the Situation

In response to the severe challenges posed by the cities of Canada hit by severe snowfall in 2025, authorities implemented a series of measures to mitigate the effects of the snowstorm and help the locals. These steps focused on improving snow removal efficiency, ensuring public safety, and restoring normalcy as quickly as possible.

1. Enhanced Snow Removal Operations:
   
   • In cities like Montreal and Toronto, where snowfall reached 30 cm, authorities deployed modern snowplows equipped with advanced GPS systems for efficient route planning. These snowplows, designed with greater capacity, cleared roads faster than traditional models. The use of snow blowers and rotary plows, especially in high-traffic areas, allowed the clearing of thick snow quickly.
   • In addition, cities like Winnipeg and Calgary used multi-functional snow-clearing machines that could both plow and treat roads with a de-icing solution, helping prevent ice buildup. These machines were equipped with sensors to monitor road conditions, making them more accurate in treating roads with the right amount of salt and sand.
2. Snow Melting Technologies:
   
   • To tackle the large amount of snow in public spaces, authorities employed snow-melting machines. These machines, often used in urban centers like Edmonton, work by melting snow through heating elements and transferring the resulting water into storm drains. This process allowed cities to clear sidewalks and public areas much more efficiently.
3. Public Safety and Awareness Campaigns:
   
   • The severe winter of 2025 saw local governments in affected Canadian cities hit by severe snowfall issue regular weather updates and snow-related safety guidelines. These campaigns urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stay indoors during snowstorms, and follow safe walking practices.
4. Increased Snow Removal Workforce:
   
   • Authorities also mobilized additional workers and volunteers in areas like Vancouver, where the snow thickness exceeded expectations. Snow removal teams worked in shifts, prioritizing critical infrastructure like hospitals, emergency services, and public transit routes.

These modern techniques and collaborative efforts helped minimize the impact of the heavy snowfall in Canada and provided much-needed relief to the residents in the cities of Canada hit by severe snowfall in 2025.

Read also: Canadian Shield: Rugged Beauty and Unexpected Riches Within

Role of the Locals

The role of locals in solving the challenges posed by the severe winter of 2025 in the cities of Canada was crucial. As snow blanketed roads and public spaces, residents took several proactive steps to ensure their safety and help maintain community functioning during the storm.

1. Personal Safety and Preparedness:
   
   • Locals in affected cities like Toronto and Montreal began by preparing their homes for the storm. This included stocking up on essentials, ensuring that heating systems were functioning properly, and having emergency supplies such as flashlights and blankets on hand in case of power outages.
   • Many residents also took measures to prevent slips and falls by salting their driveways and sidewalks, making them safer for pedestrians and helping emergency services reach those in need.
2. Community Assistance:
   
   • In cities like Calgary and Edmonton, residents came together to help clear snow from driveways and public walkways. 
   • Volunteer groups were formed to assist elderly or disabled individuals who were unable to shovel snow themselves. 
   • This collaborative effort alleviated the burden on snow removal services, allowing local authorities to focus on larger streets and highways.
3. Traffic Management:
   
   • Locals also contributed to managing traffic conditions. By staying informed through weather alerts, many residents adjusted their schedules to avoid unnecessary travel, reducing congestion and allowing snowplows to clear roads more effectively. This helped keep key routes open for emergency vehicles and essential services.

Read also: Top 10 Most Popular Cities In The World To Visit In 2025

Scientific Causes of the Abnormal Winter of Canada in 2025

Meteorologists have pointed out several causes behind the abnormal snowing in the 2025 Canadian winter. These factors combined to produce the severe snowfall events experienced in the cities of Canada. The key causes include:

1. Polar Vortex Disturbance:
The polar vortex disturbance played a significant role in the severe snowfall witnessed in the cities of Canada hit by severe snowfall in 2025. The polar vortex is a large, cold air mass that typically remains confined to the Arctic region, circling around the North Pole. However, in 2025, this cold air mass experienced a disruption, causing it to weaken and shift southward. As a result, frigid Arctic air spilled into southern Canada, significantly lowering temperatures.

This sudden influx of cold air combined with existing atmospheric moisture created the perfect conditions for heavy snowfall. As the cold air collided with moist air from the Pacific and other regions, it caused the moisture to condense and fall as snow. The intensity of this cold air mass, combined with the moisture in the atmosphere, led to significant snow accumulation, especially in cities like Winnipeg, Calgary, and Edmonton, where snow depths reached extraordinary levels.

The disruption of the polar vortex is particularly concerning because it illustrates how global weather patterns are becoming increasingly unpredictable. With colder Arctic air moving south more frequently, cities not typically accustomed to such severe winters are now facing increased risks of heavy snowfall and extreme winter weather events. This phenomenon highlights the growing challenges in preparing for unpredictable weather, as well as the need for cities to adapt to the realities of a changing climate.

Read also: The Great Ocean Slowdown: How Melting Antarctic Ice Is Reshaping Our Climate

2. Atmospheric River Events:
A significant factor was the occurrence of atmospheric rivers, which are narrow corridors of concentrated moisture in the atmosphere. These weather systems brought heavy precipitation to many areas, leading to intense snowfall in cities like Montreal and Toronto. The warm, moist air from the Pacific Ocean collided with cold Canadian air, resulting in heavy snow.

Read also: Giants of the Sky: Atmospheric Rivers – Rainfall Heroes or Flood Villains?

3. El Niño Phenomenon:
Meteorologists have linked the unusual snowfall patterns to the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, which tends to shift weather patterns. In 2025, El Niño caused more moisture to be pushed into Canada, intensifying storms and leading to heavy snowfall in the affected Canadian cities hit by severe snowfall.

Read also: What Is The Difference Between El niño and la niña

4. Climate Change Influence:
The increase in global temperatures due to climate change has contributed to more extreme weather events. Warmer temperatures lead to increased evaporation, which results in more moisture in the atmosphere, ultimately producing heavier snowfalls when combined with cold air.

Read also: Climate Change on Coastal Flooding in U.S. Cities: The Alarming Crisis Threatening Our Future

Comparative Study of Snowfall in 6 Canadian Cities: Past vs 2025

The comparative bar graph above shows the difference between the historical snowfall averages and the snowfall recorded during the severe winter of 2025 across six Canadian cities. As the graph illustrates, the snowfall in 2025 significantly surpassed the historical averages in cities like Montreal, Toronto, and Winnipeg, demonstrating the intensity of the current winter conditions.

For example, Montreal, which historically averages around 130 cm of snow, saw a dramatic increase to 250 cm in 2025. Similarly, Toronto’s snowfall more than doubled from the usual 120 cm to around 200 cm. On the other hand, cities like Vancouver experienced a more modest increase in snowfall, from 40 cm historically to 50 cm in 2025, but the unusual snow depth in a typically mild city underscores the severity of the 2025 winter.

This comparative study highlights the growing trend of extreme winter events, which are expected to become more frequent due to factors such as climate change and altered atmospheric patterns.

Read also: Tornadoes: Understanding Nature’s Destructive Fury

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cities of Canada hit by severe snowfall in 2025 faced unprecedented challenges due to a combination of atmospheric disturbances, including atmospheric rivers, polar vortex disruptions, and the El Niño phenomenon. These factors, amplified by climate change, brought unusually heavy snowfall to urban areas. 

The severe winter of 2025 showcased the growing unpredictability of weather patterns, highlighting the need for better preparedness and adaptation strategies. As Canada continues to experience extreme winters, both government and local communities must work together to mitigate impacts and ensure the safety of residents during future snowstorms.

FAQs