Southern Ontario is bracing for significant winter weather as recent temperature fluctuations hint at the return of harsh winter conditions. After experiencing milder temperatures, the region is set to face back-to-back winter storms this week, which could bring substantial snowfall and icy conditions across numerous areas.
Forecasters have warned of impending snowfall starting late Thursday, February 27, resulting from low-pressure systems tracking through the region. The latest predictions suggest some areas could receive between 10 to 15 centimeters of snow or more, particularly concentrated around the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Ottawa, and northeastern regions of the province.
According to The Weather Network, "the warmth doesn’t mean the end of winter weather. Snowfall will return to the province as the next system brings a coating of snow, and even a chance of freezing rain and drizzle for some areas." Residents have been advised to stay alert as temperatures rising above zero Celsius this week will lead to snowmelt and potentially increase the likelihood of flooding, especially with the next winter system arriving shortly thereafter.
The immediate forecast anticipates deteriorations at the start of Friday, with blustery winds complicate travel and raising the potential for unsafe driving conditions. Already on Thursday morning, roads have been slippery due to melting snow combined with forecasted snowfall.
The storm system bringing snowfall on Friday originated near the Pacific Ocean before traveling through Yukon, where it is now reorganizing its path to make its way southward toward the Great Lakes. Areas such as Thunder Bay could see as much as 20 to 25 cm of snow, hampering travel across the Trans-Canada Highway and within the city itself.
Frameworks suggest storm-like conditions will begin hitting the GTA by late Friday afternoon, just before the evening commute, raising concerns for those on the roads. Reported models show uncertainty about the storm track's exact pathway, but early forecasts maintain expectations of another 5-15 cm of snow across southern Ontario.
Residents north of the GTA are particularly vulnerable, with predictions indicating heavier amounts of snow mixing with rain and ice, creating slushy road conditions persisting throughout the day. The pivotal transitions from snow to freezing rain will also lead to power outages as ice accumulates on trees and power lines.
Local weather officials are urging residents to check conditions regularly and be cautious when traveling. A reminder has been issued to monitor specific weather alerts, especially for areas across southwestern Ontario and the Niagara region, where snowfall and mixed precipitation are expected to be more pronounced.
For the weekend, conditions stay complicated with persistent weather systems hinting at heavier snow on Saturday as well. On the broader scale for March 2025, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is predicting above-average temperatures for the month, with total precipitation projected at 90 mm, which is above normal levels.
Local forecasters continue to note the overall unpredictability of the weather going forward, thanks to factors like La Niña influencing temperatures and storm tracks across the region. The violent variations of temperatures seen this week—in some cases swinging from -2 °C (feeling like -8 °C) to frigid -9 °C (feeling like -16 °C)—could lead to sporadic snow, rain, and fluctuated weather patterns through the month. ”We could also see some rain and mixing within the snow at times,” The Weather Network mentioned, highlighting the chaotic meteorological interactions expected as spring approaches.
All eyes remain on southern Ontario weather forecasts as meteorologists aim to navigate incomprehensible precipitation from below-zero conditions and possible flooding scenarios created by rapid snowmelt across the region. It’s shaping up to be another eventful week filled with winter weather, requiring residents to stay updated, safe, and prepared.