Frigid outbreak kicks off potent snow squalls in Ontario, risk of 30+ cm
The outbreak of Arctic air surging across Ontario will kick off potent snow squalls to start the week
Plenty of snow is on the way as bitterly cold temperatures spawn snow squalls off the still-unfrozen lakes across Ontario. Snow squall watches and warnings are in effect for some regions.
Parts of southern Ontario may see more than 30 cm of accumulation from this latest lake-effect snowfall event through Wednesday.
If you're planning on travelling, be wary of poor visibility during periods of snow and slippery road conditions from icy surfaces. Snow squalls cause weather conditions to vary considerably. And, if you're planning on going outside, bundle up with extra layers and limit exposure, as extreme cold conditions take hold for the better part of this week.
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Deep chill takes hold
The Arctic airmass currently in place across Ontario will stick around through Wednesday, with the coldest temperatures expected on Monday and Tuesday.
Extreme cold warnings encompass all of northern Ontario, where dangerous and life-threatening wind chills as low as -50 are forecast. Frostbite can develop in a matter of minutes in this kind of cold.
"Relief from extreme cold is expected to be limited even during the daytime hours when temperatures typically moderate," says Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in the cold warning.
Tuesday's daytime high of -13°C will be Toronto’s coldest daytime high since January 2019. It’s been much colder, though. Flashback to Jan. 15, 1994, when the temperature peaked at just -21°C at Pearson International Airport.
Folks across southern Ontario will contend with daytime high temperatures in the minus teens through Monday, with even colder wind chill values making it an uncomfortably—and dangerously—cold day throughout the region.
"Extreme cold puts everyone at risk," says ECCC. "Watch for cold related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes. Dress warmly. Dress in layers that you can remove if you get too warm. The outer layer should be wind resistant."
Snow squall watches and warnings for multi-day lake-effect snow event
The Great Lakes remain largely unfrozen heading into this latest cold snap. At the moment, Lake Huron is sitting at 4°C, Lake Erie is at 3°C and Lake Ontario is hovering at 1°C.
Frigid winds blowing across the still-unfrozen lakes will kickstart a renewed round of lake-effect snow over the next couple of days.
Areas off Lake Huron to Georgian Bay will see meandering snow squalls Monday through Wednesday, with a warning in place highlighting the potential for up to 30 cm of snow.
The heart of the snow will impact the Bruce Peninsula and parts of the 400 north of Barrie, with 30-50+ cm of snow possible locally.
Road closures were reported with the deteriorating conditions Monday morning.
By Monday evening, snow squalls will lift north off Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, also impacting Fort Erie and Prince Edward County with 10-30 cm.
As the squalls lift north, impacts across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) will be minimal, though with scattered flurries expected at times.
Winds gusting between 40-50+ km/h will make for low visibility and slow winter travel within squalls.
SEE ALSO: Polar vortex set to invade Canada and the U.S. with dangerous cold
Colder-than-normal temperatures are expected to continue into the final week of January. Milder air will attempt to surge north of the border progressing through the first half of February. It’s too early to know if this will bring a period of early spring-like weather, or if it’ll bring an active storm track with messy storms.
