Ontario is experiencing quite the warm spell as the year winds down, thanks to an active storm track traversing across the Great Lakes, set to bring two rounds of significant weather to the province.
The first round is tied to a Texas low moving over Lake Superior, which will usher warmth and moisture to both southern and northern Ontario. This low system will form additional disturbances along the associated cold front, leading to another wave of warmth and substantial rainfall, particularly impacting the southern regions.
Saturday is expected to kick off Round One, where freezing rain will initially be the main concern for much of northeastern, central, and eastern Ontario. Warm air will battle the stubborn cold air still present, leaving regions like Sudbury and Bancroft more vulnerable to slippery roads and icy sidewalks as the system makes its way across. Conversely, for the rest of the province, rain will take precedence, washing away the final traces of snow for much of the south.
Temperatures are expected to climb significantly, with increased warmth across Ontario, showcasing variations between 5 to 20 degrees higher than seasonal averages. Notably, these changes are even more pronounced across the northern parts of the province.
Moving onto Sunday, Round Two promises to introduce even more moisture across southern Ontario, alongside temperature contrasts. While areas like northwestern Ontario may see temperatures dip below freezing, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and eastern Ontario might soar to double-digit highs, creating interesting weather dynamics.
Rainfall amounts are projected to be significant, with 30 to 40 mm anticipated to fall across southern Ontario extending toward Quebec City, expected to commence in the afternoon. Completion of this system will mark temperatures remaining well above average across the province for several consecutive days, seeing increases of 5-10 degrees higher for southern Ontario and Quebec and even greater warmth between 10-20 degrees for select areas within northern Ontario and Quebec.
Weather advisories urging caution amid the changing conditions suggest drivers and pedestrians remain alert about potential icy conditions on roads and sidewalks, as well as prepare for the heavy rainfall anticipated. It is recommended to stay tuned to The Weather Network for reliable updates on the forecast movements and any advisories as the warm spell progresses.
