Ontario’s potent snow squalls will shift location by Friday
A wind shift arriving in Ontario will push the snow squalls in a new direction to end the workweek
We're entering the final stretch of our week-long snow event across Ontario as one last wind shift will send the squalls moving in a new direction on Friday. Snow squall watches and warnings are in effect.
Some areas have seen nearly one-and-a-half metres of snow over the past week. London, Ont. picked up at least 18 cm of fresh snow during the day Thursday.
Continue to use extreme caution heading out over the next couple of days. Conditions change dramatically over short distances in and around snow squalls.
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The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are reminding motorists to 'know before you go' and to use resources like 511 Ontario for up-to-date road conditions and closures. Be sure to stay up to date on all of the weather warnings in your area, as well, and have a plan in place as conditions worsen.
Friday will also be the coldest day of the season so far, with Toronto's daytime high falling below 0°C for the first time since March 22. Will the frigid air persist, or will winter fail to commit? See more of the forecast details, below.
Friday: Coldest conditions of the season so far, more weekend snow
Powerful snow squalls will continue blowing out of the northwest into Thursday night. These squalls are unlikely to move much through the overnight hours—if it’s snowing now, it’s unlikely to lighten up until the early morning.
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Winds will shift around and blow out of the west by Friday. This will push the snow squalls along Highway 21 and north of Barrie, where snow will continue across the snowbelt through the day.
Accumulations on the order of 15-25 cm are expected throughout the snowbelt as snow continues into Friday, with totals of 20-40+ cm expected west of London.
Friday will also be the coldest day of the season, with Toronto's daytime high failing to crack 0°C for the first time in more than eight months.
Clipper threatens additional snow over the weekend
Looking ahead to the weekend, forecasters are monitoring another clipper that’ll track north of the region late Saturday with widespread snowfall. This snow will remain primarily north and east of Toronto, with 2-5+ cm of accumulation possible.
This clipper will force a warm front to lift north, bringing in much milder temperatures for Sunday. Readings are expected to climb well above freezing.
Milder and changeable temperatures are expected for next week, with a more active pattern kicking in for mid and late December. There's the potential for messy systems and rain, as the region will become the battleground between the Arctic air to the northwest, and much milder weather to the south.
Keep safety in mind
With all of this early winter snow, the OPP reminds motorists to ensure they are prepared for any situation by driving appropriately for the road and weather conditions. Remember to have an emergency kit in your vehicle, ensure sufficient fuel/battery level with a reserve, and plan ahead by monitoring local media reports for road conditions and weather updates.
Motorists who find themselves stranded on roads are encouraged to remain calm, stay in their vehicle, and consider teaming up with other drivers until help arrives.
The OPP is working with the Ministry of Transportation and other road crews to keep an eye on the weather and get ready for any upcoming storms.
Header image submitted by Nikki in Ilderton, Ont.
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Stay with The Weather Network for more forecast information and updates on your weather across Ontario.
