Multi-day squalls in Ontario may drop 30 cm of snow in some areas
Winter will give southern Ontario a sneak preview this week, with blustery winds, chilly temperatures and a prolonged, potent, lake-effect snowfall setup that will bring significant totals and result in difficult travelling conditions in the snowbelt regions
Snow squall watches, special weather statements and wind warnings are now covering southern Ontario as a pattern shakeup will bring winter weather back into the region over the next several days.
A bout of blustery wind gusts and plummeting temperatures on Wednesday will help set the stage for a multi-day setup of potent, lake-effect snow squalls for Thursday and Friday. Those weather conditions prompted the various alerts from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).
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Harder-hit areas could receive 15-30+ cm of snow, accompanied by extensive blowing and drifting snow. Wind gusts reaching 50-60+ km/h through Thursday may result in whiteout conditions in some locations.
These hazardous conditions could lead to road closures in affected areas.
Rain and strong winds pick up on Wednesday
Rain and strong winds will develop Wednesday afternoon in southern Ontario as the low intensifies.
Wind gusts of 60–80+ km/h are expected across southwestern and south-central regions, including Windsor, London, Toronto, and areas east of Kingston, with stronger 80–90+ km/h gusts expected east of Lake Huron and from Long Point to Fort Erie. Folks in these areas should be prepared in case of whiteout conditions and potential power outages.
After the cold front passes, Arctic air will move in, causing temperatures to drop. Rainfall is expected to transition to snow by Wednesday evening.
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There is also a chance for an intense snow squall to develop, potentially affecting areas such as Port Colborne, Niagara, and Buffalo, leading to hazardous conditions.
WATCH: Significant temperature drop coming to southern Ontario
Lake-effect snow picks up Thursday and Friday, American Thanksgiving travel jeopardized
Prepare for significant lake-effect snow targeting traditional snowbelt regions in southern Ontario and surrounding areas on Thursday and Friday.
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The heaviest snowfall is expected downwind of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, where 20-30 cm could accumulate over several days.
Strong snow squalls may develop, potentially bringing thundersnow and reaching as far as the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and beyond.
Squalls are expected to impact the 400-series highways Thursday afternoon and evening as they shift southward. Gusty winds of 50-70 km/h will accompany the snow, resulting in whiteouts, potential road closures, and challenging travel conditions within the snowbelt zones.
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For those travelling to the U.S. for American Thanksgiving, blizzard conditions in the upper part of Michigan, with multiple winter weather alerts south and east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.
Closely watching a weekend snow-maker
Forecasters will be monitoring the potential for widespread snowfall this weekend across southern, central, and eastern Ontario, as well as southern Quebec.
While uncertainty remains about the track and intensity of the system, snow accumulations of 5-15 cm are possible across the affected regions.
If winter tires aren’t already installed, this is the final chance as the cold and active pattern appears set to continue into early December.
The time to prepare is now
When it comes to facing severe winter weather, you can never be too prepared. The infographic below has some handy tips on what you need to face another winter season.
Click here for a zoomable version of this graphic.
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Stay with The Weather Network for more information and updates on your weather across Ontario.