Waterloo Weather
Severe weather during the pandemic
While a campus closure may affect classes and work differently under pandemic conditions, our decision-making has not changed. In the event of severe weather, we will continue to assess safety and may decide to close campuses if we judge that they cannot safely open.
As usual, if the University decides to close a campus in severe weather, we will communicate it online and on social media normally by 6 a.m.
Students: During a severe weather-related campus closure, remote learning will continue while in-person course activities will be cancelled.
Employees: If a campus closes, only those people deemed essential for operations during a severe weather closure should come to the campus. Note that essential roles during a severe weather closure are different than those identified as “essential” during the pandemic. You must check with your supervisor who will let you know whether you must attend the campus or not during a severe weather closure. Learn more in the memo circulated on January 28, 2021.
Environment Canada
Environment Canada gives Canadians as much advance notice as possible about potentially hazardous weather. Updates on weather for our region from Environment Canada can be found in a dedicated Twitter feed, featured below.
Additional information
Other sources
The University of Waterloo cares about the safety of everyone on campus and makes decisions about the operation of the University with safety in mind. We recognize that individual circumstances vary widely and, when the University remains open in severe weather. Those who judge that it may be unsafe to come to campus should discuss alternate work and study arrangements with their instructor or supervisor.
