Weather Alert Issued
On Thursday, March 5, 2026, a yellow warning for freezing rain was issued for the Waterloo Region, Kingston, and Belleville. The warning was officially announced at 12:02 p.m., indicating that hazardous weather conditions were expected to develop later in the day.
Forecast and Impacts
Environment Canada has forecasted that freezing rain will likely begin in the evening, with the potential for up to 2 mm of ice build-up on roads and sidewalks. This accumulation could create dangerous travel conditions, prompting officials to advise residents to exercise caution.
Travel disruptions are anticipated as the freezing rain is expected to affect road conditions significantly. Environment Canada has warned, “Be very careful if walking or driving,” highlighting the risks associated with icy surfaces.
Current Conditions
The freezing rain is projected to taper off near midnight, transitioning into early Friday morning. Overnight lows in Kingston are expected to reach around –1°C, while other areas may experience even colder temperatures.
Similar yellow warnings are also in effect for nearby regions, including Napanee, Consecon, Picton, Sandbanks Park, Belleville, Quinte West, Eastern Northumberland County, Gananoque, and Mallorytown. This widespread alert underscores the potential for hazardous conditions across a larger area.
As the freezing rain approaches, residents are reminded that icy surfaces could be difficult to detect, increasing the risk of slips and falls. Environment Canada has noted, “Icy surfaces could be difficult to detect. There is risk of injury due to slips and falls,” urging caution for all individuals.
Yellow alerts are the most common of the colour-coded alerts issued by the national weather agency, indicating that hazardous weather may cause damage, disruption, or health impacts. As the situation develops, residents are encouraged to stay informed and take necessary precautions.