As the final days of March approach, Southern Ontario is once again bracing for wintry weather, with a late-season snowstorm on the horizon. After a milder stretch that brought spring-like temperatures and double-digit highs, residents are now facing the return of colder air. Weather experts are forecasting an organized system that will impact the area starting late Sunday evening, March 23, 2025, and continuing into Monday, March 24, 2025, bringing heavy snowfall to parts of the region...
The storm is expected to deliver significant snowfall to areas around Georgian Bay, where lake enhancement could boost totals to between 10-20 cm. Strong winds will also accompany this winter weather, with gusts reaching 50 to 70 km/h anticipated on Monday morning. This potential for blowing snow may lead to hazardous travel conditions, particularly during the Monday morning commute.
Environment Canada has issued winter weather travel advisories for several locations including Grey-Bruce, Parry Sound, and North Bay. In the Near North District School Board, which covers Parry Sound and North Bay, students are anticipating a snow day with the likelihood estimated at around 75%. Those areas are predicted to receive the heaviest snowfall, prompting cautious planning from school officials.
Weather conditions are expected to worsen overnight as precipitation begins in Southwestern Ontario on Sunday evening. Certain locations, especially those near Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, may see rain as temperatures begin to rise. Meanwhile, regions like London, Goderich, and Kitchener are likely to experience more prolonged snowfall throughout the night. However, freezing rain and ice pellets may mix with the snow, complicating accumulation.
By Monday morning, snow will have spread to the Ottawa Valley, with several hours of snowfall expected. School bus cancellations are possible in rural parts of Central and Eastern Ontario due to the resulting challenging travel conditions. While widespread snowfall is set to taper off by late Monday morning, lingering lake-effect snow is anticipated around Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, with localized heavier snowfall expected in areas such as Grey-Bruce and North Bay.
For Central Ontario, overall snowfall totals are expected to land between 5-10 cm, while regions in the Ottawa Valley, Southwestern Ontario, and the Golden Horseshoe are likely to experience accumulations under 5 cm. For those in Deep Southwestern Ontario, primarily rain will dominate the weather, limiting snowfall totals significantly.
Looking ahead, even as the snow begins to dissipate, conditions for travel will remain tricky due to gusty winds and the chance of additional lake-effect snow in the days following the storm. Warnings have been issued to motorists across the province, urging them to adjust travel plans accordingly and remain aware of hazardous conditions.
In addition to travel advisories for conditions, forecasters are also concerned about the effects of this storm on road safety. Drivers are reminded to take necessary precautions, including keeping their vehicles stocked with emergency supplies, monitoring local weather alerts, and being prepared for sudden changes in road conditions.
As the storm arrives, those across Southern Ontario are encouraged to keep an eye on overnight developments, particularly in school boards anticipating cancellations. With snow-covered roads and blowing snow likely to create difficult driving conditions, communities are bracing for what could be one of the last significant snowfalls of the season.
With March’s unpredictable weather continuing to challenge the arrival of spring, residents are left pondering how much longer the winter weather will linger in their daily lives. Snow squalls, tricky travel, and the unpredictability of transitional seasons remind everyone to stay winter-ready, even as warmer days are on the horizon.
