Days of lake-effect snow, plunging temperatures set to hit Ontario

Published on Mar. 24, 2022, 11:48 AM

Updated on Mar. 25, 2022, 1:07 AM

Chilly temperatures and blustery conditions will set up a handful of chances for lake-effect snow over the next couple of days.

Persistent teases of spring make the weather around this time of year feel especially cruel. Thursday’s double-digit temperatures across southern Ontario are falling by the wayside as a pattern shift shoves colder air and several days’ worth of lake-effect snow across the region. Temperatures will fall well below seasonal by early next week. More on what to expect in the days to come, below.

Visit our Complete Guide to Spring 2022 for an in-depth look at the Spring Forecast, tips to plan for it and much more!

THIS WEEKEND: MULTI-DAY LAKE-EFFECT SNOW AS TEMPERATURES PLUNGE

Thursday saw warm temperatures across much of southern Ontario, where highs climbed into the lower teens for many areas. That’ll change in a hurry as an approaching upper-level trough ushers in ample cold air and blustery northwest winds.

A weak disturbance on Friday will bring a widespread wintry mix across central and southern Ontario. We won’t see significant precipitation, but periods of scattered showers, mixing, and flurries are possible along with some gusty winds.

Falling temperatures and enhanced lift will arrive in time for the first half of the weekend, providing the opportunity for bursts of snow at times across southern Ontario.

Stout northwesterly winds blowing across the Great Lakes will allow bands of lake-effect snow to develop across the traditional snowbelts on Sunday. Some of these squalls could extend down into the Greater Toronto Area at times.

It’s going to get relatively chilly by early next week. Temperatures will more closely resemble late February than late March.

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WATCH: CHILLY TEMPERATURES DESCEND ON SOUTHERN ONTARIO INTO NEXT WEEK

A small lobe of the polar vortex will dip into the Great Lakes region by Monday. This surge of chilly Arctic air will push temperatures at least 10°C below normal for the end of March.

While this sudden temperature dive will prove to be short-lived, chilly temperatures will persist into the beginning of April. Occasional rounds of chilly weather will spread across the region through the end of next week.

Be sure to check back for the latest updates on the changing conditions across Ontario.