Temperatures are fluctuated dramatically this weekend as Southern Ontario residents brace for another wave of winter weather. According to Environment Canada, daytime highs were recorded above 0°C on Friday, January 31, 2025, for cities like Mississauga and Toronto, before more snow rolls across the region.
After experiencing bitterly cold winds and frigid conditions throughout the week, many were relieved to see daytime temperatures climb to approximately 2°C. Yet, the warmth will be short-lived as precipitation is forecasted to accompany dropping nighttime temperatures. The weather agency notes there’s a 30% chance of rain showers on Friday, transitioning to flurries as evening approaches, with gusty winds intensifying the chill.
"Daytime highs will be above 0°C on Friday... but will feel more like -22°C with the wind chill," reported INsauga, highlighting the stark contrasts Southern Ontario inhabitants must navigate.
By Friday afternoon, Burlington, Hamilton, Niagara Falls, and parts of the Ottawa area may see around two to four centimeters of snow. Durham Region has been flagged with a 40% chance of snowfall. While these weather patterns persist, areas near Hudson Bay are currently under extreme cold weather warnings, with wind chill values dropping as low as -45°C just north of Ontario.
Forecasts for Saturday, February 1, indicate partially sunny skies, yet with temperatures plummeting to around -7°C for cities throughout Mississauga and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). "Saturday should be pretty sunny ... but with those, the temperatures are going to be on the cold side," stated meteorologist Steven Flisfeder from Environment Canada.
Driving conditions are anticipated to become treacherous with the declining temperatures, resulting in concern for many commuting on Monday morning. A mix of rain and snow is expected to impact drivers across Southwestern Ontario, particularly near the Windsor area as conditions predicted for the weekend progress.
The extreme conditions of winter present unique challenges for those working within the region's grape growing industry, particularly grape growers located near Niagara-on-the-Lake. The unpredictability of polar vortexes and erratic cold snaps has left many growers scrambling to cope with the effects on their crops, which include reduced icewine harvests.
Jamie Slingerland, director of viticulture at Pillitteri Estates Winery, expressed concern over the impacts of climate change affecting the wine industry. "We’ve seen less opportunity to pick icewine," Slingerland said, detailing challenges posed by inconsistent temperatures which are needed to preserve grape buds through winter.
Located strategically with hybrid climates due to proximity to Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment, the Niagara region is uniquely suited to grow various grape varieties. Yet, climate change complicates this by generating unpredictable cold conditions. Wind machines have become more common for grape growers, increasing their resilience to fluctuated temperatures. These machines help circulate warmer air from above to mitigate damage to colder grapes, raising temperatures by 4 to 5 degrees Celsius when activated.
"I’ve been using wind machines for about 15, 18 years. It makes all the difference," notes Coun. Erwin Wiens, himself also working as grape grower, referencing the necessity of such technology.
Despite the gains through mechanization, operational challenges linger; machines can fail to start or suffer battery issues during severe cold spells, placing additional pressures on growers. Slingerland pointedly adds help is often extended through local businesses like Lakeview Vineyard Equipment, who maintain and operate these necessary devices at all hours.
Even beyond the production challenges, the weather dictates visitation rates to the wineries. "That’s why it’s such delicate situation if something happens," Slingerland warned, indicating how tourist footfall dips under adverse weather conditions.
Sunday looks to be warming up with new cloud cover moving through. Temperatures could reach around 0°C or higher as conditions shift, but spring-like relief remains distant. With all these expectations of fluctuated winter weather, the unpredictability of winter continues to present both challenges and opportunities for Southern Ontario.