A wintry surprise: Northern Ontario prepares for 30+ cm of snow
A late-season blast of snow this week will remind northern Ontarians that winter isn't quite done with them, yet
Meteorological spring has sprung across much of Canada, with parts of southern Ontario seeing thunderstorms and temperatures surpassing the 20-degree mark on Sunday, but head a little farther north, and it's a completely different story as winter's snowy grip is still being held tight over northern Ontario.
Instead of heavy rains in the forecast, parts of northern Ontario are getting a bout of heavy snow through the midweek.
Expect wintry impacts to highways, especially along Highway 17, through Lake Superior Provincial Park.
Be sure to check highway conditions and local weather alerts before heading out this week.
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At the same time, we'll see the typical spring-like weather continue in southern and eastern Ontario, with warm temperatures prevailing through Wednesday until a cold front triggers rain and possibly even some thunder on Thursday.
Heavy snow slams parts of northeastern Ontario Wednesday and Thursday
A Colorado low will pull up ample moisture from the Gulf of Mexico as it travels over the Great Lakes on Wednesday morning.
A mass of cold air sitting over northern Ontario will fight back against the low, with the cold northwesterly winds wrapping around it to create a band of heavy snow over the northeast.
Snow will start early on Wednesday, picking up in intensity throughout the day until we see heavy snowfall rates of 2-4 cm per hour by Wednesday night.
Winds will also whip up to 40-60 km/h, which will result in reduced visibility and blowing snow along the highways. Highway 17 will be at the greatest risk of impacts.
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Wawa, Chapleau, Timmins, and Kapuskasing are currently forecast to see the heaviest snowfall totals, with 20-30+ cm possible.
Meanwhile, Sault Ste. Marie will be the dividing line between heavy rains and heavy snow, with this event starting as rain on Wednesday and transitioning to snow by Thursday. This will create a messy situation throughout the city as wet roads quickly turn to slippery slush.
Stay with The Weather Network for more forecast information and updates on your weather across Ontario.