Severe storms hit southern Ontario, rounds of ice, snow, and rain to come
A second wave of thunderstorms with heavy rain, strong winds, and small hail is possible Tuesday evening in southern Ontario, while northern parts of the province brace for 5–15 cm of snow
Weather Highlights:
Early morning thunderstorms impacted southern Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Tuesday with severe thunderstorm watches, hail reports in Guelph, and localized road flooding
A second wave of strong thunderstorms is possible between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m., bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and small hail. Rainfall totals of 20–40 mm are expected
Northern Ontario will see light freezing rain and snow, with 5–15 cm forecast, especially near the shores of Lake Superior
Two additional systems are expected later in the week
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A strong storm is set to deliver a blend of spring and winter weather impacts across Ontario this week.
A clash of air masses will result in summer-like warmth across parts of the south, while northern areas will experience lingering winter cold. The province will see rounds of snow, ice, rain, and thunderstorms through Wednesday morning.
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With April set to kick off on Wednesday, spring's fluctuating pattern is expected to continue. Temperatures will gradually trend upwards, with occasional warmer days and milder cold spells. However, consistently warm, above-normal conditions are unlikely to dominate as the month progresses.
Southern Ontario braces for another round of thunderstorms Tuesday night
Early morning thunderstorms swept through southern Ontario and the GTA, prompting severe thunderstorm watches and warnings. Reports of pea-sized hail emerged from Guelph, along with pooling water on roads.
Intermittent showers or isolated thunderstorms may still occur through the early afternoon, though they will be less widespread. Breaks in cloud cover could allow for heating and atmospheric destabilization, setting the stage for a second wave of strong thunderstorms later today.
Between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m., thunderstorms are expected to develop across southern Ontario and the GTA as a cold front approaches. Hazards include locally heavy rainfall, strong wind gusts, and small hail.
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Rainfall amounts of 20–40 mm are likely, with isolated higher totals possible in areas affected by thunderstorms.
Snow and freezing rain expected for northern Ontario on Tuesday
Meanwhile, a band of snow will move across parts of northern Ontario, including Thunder Bay and areas east of Lake Superior through Tuesday. Snowfall may vary in intensity throughout the day as waves of precipitation accompany an incoming system. Heavier snow is expected Tuesday afternoon, particularly along the shores of Lake Superior.
Snowfall accumulations of 5–15 cm are forecast for regions north and east of Lake Superior.
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Further south, communities northeast of Georgian Bay, including the Nickel Belt, may see periods of freezing rain and ice pellets beginning Tuesday morning. While precipitation is expected to remain light early on, there may be minimal ice buildup.
By Tuesday evening, freezing rain and ice pellets could intensify. However, there is some uncertainty about the system's track, which could shift the areas facing the greatest risk of freezing rain further north or south.
More stormy weather to come late week across Ontario with mixed precipitation
Ontario will encounter two additional rounds of stormy weather later this week, featuring multiple precipitation types and fluctuating temperatures.
The first system is set to arrive Thursday, bringing snow and ice to northern regions and rain to southern areas. A third system is forecast to move in on Saturday, following a similar path with another mix of precipitation types.