Southern Ontario is bracing itself for another winter weather event this weekend, with forecasts predicting significant snowfall across the region.
According to Environment Canada, Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are expected to receive between 5 to 10 cm of snow starting Saturday afternoon, as a Colorado low sweeps across the province. Snow flurries are set to begin around 3 p.m. Saturday, gradually transitioning to heavier snow by the evening, particularly affecting areas from Windsor to Toronto and up toward cottage country.
The snowfall is forecasted to peak around 9 p.m. Saturday before tapering off early Sunday morning. For residents of southwestern Ontario, including Windsor, accumulations may reach up to 5 cm, with other areas such as Mississauga, Brampton, Burlington, and Oakville likely facing up to 10 cm of snow.
The cold temperatures this weekend are expected to keep the snowfall light and dry, with daytime highs around -4°C, but the wind chill will make it feel closer to -10°C. Sunday may also see some residual flurries but should be milder overall.
On Friday, February 6, various weather warnings were enacted across Southern Ontario due to expected heavy winds and snowfall. Reports indicated gusts reaching up to 80 km/h, prompting alerts of potential power outages and safety hazards due to wind-driven loose objects.
Areas north of the GTA, such as Barrie and Orillia, were placed under snow squall warnings with expectations of up to 25 cm of snowfall due to lake effect conditions originating from Lake Huron and Georgian Bay.
These snow squalls have resulted in travel advisories, particularly for north Durham Region, Kawartha Lakes, and York Region, cautioning against travel due to poor visibility and high snowfall accumulations varying from 5 to 20 cm depending on the area.
A series of weather alerts have highlighted the potential for sudden changes, recommending residents to limit travel wherever feasible. While the heavier snowfall is concentrated to the north of the GTA, the remainder of Southern Ontario is likely to experience lighter, fluffier snow, suitable for winter activities rather than extensive travel disruptions.
This sustained winter activity indicates a pattern expected to persist, as the cold snap locks temperatures below seasonal norms. The weather forecast suggests additional snowfalls will occur across mid-February, maintaining the wintery conditions, with residents advised to stay updated on weather warnings and prepare for variable conditions.
Travelers and residents are encouraged to check road conditions and local weather alerts regularly, especially as events such as the Super Bowl approach, where gatherings may lead to increased travel.
With the forecast calling for continued frigid conditions next week, it appears this weekend’s snowfall is just one part of what looks like another active month for winter weather across Ontario. So, keep your shovels and snow brushes ready!
For those planning to venture out during the snowy weekend, one of the best tips is to steadily monitor the latest advisories to stay safe and efficient on the roads. Stay connected with The Weather Network for updates on forecasts and alerts across Southern Ontario.