Ontario's third major storm in 8 days hits Family Day weekend, risk of 20-30 cm
Keep those shovels on standby with very little breathing room between major storms across Ontario. This weekend threatens more significant snowfall totals
As the snow banks pile up across much of Ontario, eyes are on the next major system -- one that threatens more significant snow totals through the Family Day long weekend. While there is still some uncertainty in the track of the storm and overall snow totals, between 15-30+ cm is currently on the table.
Confidence is high that this weekend will definitely be another snowy event for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and all of southern Ontario. There is ample moisture and cold air to provide this system the ingredients it needs to be a heavy snow producer. This will come in two parts, however, with the greater impacts likely on Sunday.
As always, have a plan in place, and be sure to keep up-to-date on your local weather alerts. Always check the highway conditions before heading out.
DON'T MISS: 24-hour countdown to (more) snow — here's what you should get done today
Saturday: Snow spreads into southern Ontario through the morning hours
A wave of atmospheric energy from the western U.S. will spread snow across much of Ontario, starting in the pre-dawn hours on Saturday. Snow is forecast to continue for much of the day in all of central and southern Ontario.
Snowfall rates are not expected to be overly significant to start, but the long duration light snow will lead to accumulations starting to really add up.
DON'T MISS: Snow, ice, and twisters: This weekend’s big storm will have it all
Wind gusts are forecast to remain relatively low on Saturday, but with local gusty conditions still expected at times.
Another piece of atmospheric energy from the west will begin to phase with moisture travelling up from the Gulf, transitioning into a stronger low pressure system. That will begin to increase the snowfall rates, snow totals, and wind gusts heading into Sunday across the region.
WATCH: What to expect with this long weekend snowstorm
Sunday: Significant snow totals pile up, travel could be treacherous
By Saturday night, and into Sunday, a low pressure system will strengthen south of the Great Lakes and begin to feed in more significant snowfall.
While the track of this low is still uncertain, similar to the recent mid-week storm, this system could spread in an icy mix for communities along the north shoreline of Lake Erie, and into the Niagara region. If the low stays further south, an all snow forecast is also possible for these areas.
With intensifying snowfall rates of 2-3 cm/h throughout the day, as well as strengthening wind gusts, travel will be even more treacherous and dangerous to navigate. It will be highly advised to avoid any unnecessary travel across much of southern and eastern Ontario on Sunday.
Flight delays, cancellations, and closures can be anticipated.
RELATED: How one of Canada's busiest airports navigates tough winter weather
The system is forecast to track east and depart the area Sunday evening, leaving a hefty swath of snow in its wake.
Brace for 20-30 cm of snow
The storm has not formed yet, and is not forecast to until Saturday, so the exact track of the low will determine where the heaviest snow totals will accumulate.
But much of the GTA, southern, and eastern Ontario should prepare for another round of 15-30 cm of snow into Monday.
Frigid air, and dangerous snow squalls hit for the holiday Monday
Frigid, Arctic air will then spread across the region as our weekend storm departs. Daytime temperatures will remain in the minus teens with a strong and gusty northwest wind causing extensive blowing and drifting snow and whiteouts, especially in open areas north of the GTA where bands of lake-effect snow squalls are also likely.
SEE ALSO: Cold-related emergencies: Staying warm and safe in Canadian winters
The wind chill will be in the -20s, and could reach -30 well northwest of the GTA on Monday.
Frigid conditions are forecast for most of next week, as well, with the pattern slightly relaxing during the final week of February. Still, no consistent milder weather is in sight.
Stay with The Weather Network for the latest forecast updates on this developing storm.