Ontario becomes air mass battleground as pattern and storm track shifts
We're soon going to see to see a switch in the storm track and pattern in Ontario, bringing a potential of bigger systems but also drawing in some milder air.
With February's arrival this weekend, it will turn another page on the winter season while marking a pattern shift in southern Ontario, with plenty of opportunities for more messy weather.
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Ontario will become the battleground between the contrasting air masses in February, with Arctic air to the northwest and much milder conditions to the south. Expect more messy systems, which will tap into Gulf moisture.
Such will be the case Friday, with a potential a messy mix for in southwestern Ontario near Lake Erie and the Golden Horseshoe. However, there is still some uncertainty in the track.
Stay up-to-date with the latest weather alerts in your area, and be sure to monitor road conditions throughout the region.
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Friday:
The jet stream pattern as of late has sent Ontario many systems from the Prairies, but we’re going to start to see some move in from the southwest as February starts off. That will bring the potential of bigger systems, but could also draw in some milder air.
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On Friday, forecasters are closely watching a stateside system is expected to track towards Ontario.
It will be guided along with a weak clipper that moves through northern and eastern Ontario on Thursday, drawing the system farther east with the aid of high pressure coming into northern areas of the province.
There is some uncertainty with the storm’s track and how it will interact with a clipper to the north, but the likely scenario is for a somewhat messy mix in southwestern Ontario near Lake Erie, and also for the Golden Horseshoe.
Temperatures will be just hover above freezing on Friday.
In behind the system, a cold air mass will come in for a short, one-day cooldown before Sunday morning sees sees another clipper move in with just some clouds and flurries--potentially enough to prevent a certain rodent from seeing his shadow.
'Volatile' pattern as February begins
An active and volatile pattern is expected for the first few weeks of February, as the region remains the battleground between cold and mild air masses.
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This pattern is conducive for messy winter systems, especially Texas lows, which are known for carrying a lot of moisture.
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Be sure to check back for the latest forecast updates across Ontario.