Experts say snow is here to stay as temperatures drop across Southern Ontario

We got a taste of it in early November, but now Mother Nature is serving up the main dish.

Winter doesn’t officially arrive for a few weeks but the snow appears to be staying.

According to one expert, beginning tomorrow, we are going to see a consistent period of colder weather in the Hamilton, Halton and Niagara areas. So keep your winter gear and shovels ready. You’re going to need them.

She may be serving slush right now, but Mother Nature has introduced her winter menu – more snow.

One climatologist says our winters aren’t what they used to be, with longer fall and early spring seasons. But to some in Waterdown, this is just another day at the office.

“I usually get excited when it snows because that means we get to go snowmobiling. Yeah, we don’t mind cleaning it up. We’ve got the right equipment,” said Dave Patton, owner of Jay’s Auto Service.

“I’m not sure it goes like clockwork every beginning of the season … here is a new month, a new season and new weather,” said David Phillips, retired climatologist with Environment Canada.

READ MORE: Environment Canada issues statements, warnings for Sunday’s wintery weather

Two years ago in Hamilton, Phillips deemed it the winter that was nearly cancelled due to more rain and fog forecasted than snow. This year he says the cold arctic air has arrived and doesn’t want to get kicked out.

“When I look at the next two weeks, two and a half weeks, I see no melting temperatures at all,” said Phillips.

Driving in these conditions is another story. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) say posted speed limits on highways and side streets are for ideal, dry conditions only.

“Right now in these conditions of snowy, slushy roads, rain, freezing rain that we’ve been having, you should be reducing your speed by quite a bit,” said OPP Const. Taylor Konkle.

But before you even leave your driveway, Tony Mawson from Waterdown has this advice, “get out and shovel while it’s not too much, and then the next time it falls there’s less to shovel.”

The OPP also notes even the most experienced drivers can also get over confident.

No matter what your driving resume, in these conditions, make sure to slow down and take it easy.

WATCH MORE: CAA urges drivers to prepare ahead as winter weather hits