5-10+ cm of snow in Ontario Wednesday, with eyes on a major Sunday storm
Wednesday could be another slow and challenging day on the roads, with a widespread 5-10 cm of snow set to fall. That will be followed by bitterly cold temperatures and wind chills late week
Southern Ontario faces a challenging weather week with frigid Arctic air and back-to-back rounds of snow expected.
On Wednesday, the next wave of snow is ongoing as a clipper system swings through from the Prairies. The region could see 5-10 cm of snowfall, which is anticipated to affect both the afternoon and evening commutes. Snowbelt areas may experience higher localized accumulations.
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Visibility will likely be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in areas seeing the snowfall. Roads and walkways will likely be difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow and slippery conditions.
By the end of the week, extreme cold is expected to settle in, with temperatures dropping into the -20s and potentially lower when factoring in wind chill. We're also keeping a close eye on a major snowmaker south of the border, which could prove to be problematic for parts of southern Ontario Sunday.
Brace for slower commutes on Wednesday as the snow picks up
A Prairie clipper is bringing widespread snowfall across southern Ontario. Snowfall will likely affect the afternoon and evening commute in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
A general 5-10 cm of snow is expected from Wednesday through Thursday morning, with approximately 5 cm forecast for Toronto. Areas farther inland and away from Lake Ontario could see higher amounts. Localized heavier totals are anticipated near the Huron Shores and Georgian Bay areas.
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Blowing snow and sudden visibility reductions remain a significant concern, with wind gusts reaching 50-60 km/h, particularly in areas downwind of the Great Lakes.
Overnight Wednesday, lake-enhanced snow squalls are expected to target the southern Golden Horseshoe, including areas between Hamilton and Niagara, as well as Prince Edward County toward Kingston.
Lake-effect snow, cold temperatures, and gusty winds are set to persist across southern Ontario on Thursday and Friday, potentially increasing overall snowfall totals in affected areas.
Travellers should prepare for hazardous conditions and reduced visibility during this time.
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Frigid air to blanket Ontario this weekend, coldest temperatures in years for some
Frigid air will take over as the polar vortex settles across the region late week and into the weekend. Wind chills will plummet into the -30s, and even possibly -40s across northern Ontario.
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Ottawa may hit a low of -21°C, marking the city’s coldest day in 10 years if this forecast holds.
Sunday alert: Major U.S. storm to watch
A major winter storm that is set to impact the U.S. Deep South will track up the East Coast through the weekend, bringing the potential for the northern extent of the low to scrape snow across southern Ontario.
There is high uncertainty in this forecast, but with the potential for 10-20+ cm to fall across parts of the GTA. This will be a storm to watch very closely, so continue to check the forecast for updates.
Next week begins with frigid conditions across the region, though a gradual temperature recovery is expected. However, reinforcing shots of Arctic air will likely disrupt this warming trend. A couple of Prairie Clippers are also anticipated to bring snowfall through the week.
Temperatures may approach seasonal levels by early February, but colder-than-normal weather could return later in the month.