Wednesday's commute: Risk of icy glaze in southern Ontario

Wednesday, January 10, 2018, 7:13 AM - Before an incoming system brings warming temperatures throughout southern Ontario into Thursday, there will be the risk of freezing drizzle and freezing rain for parts of the region on Wednesday.

Daytime highs on Wednesday will rise above the freezing mark for most of the region with ground temperatures running a bit colder due to the frigid temperatures experienced over the last few weeks. This could create an icy glaze on untreated surfaces. 

"This is not an ice storm and this will not cause power outages, but just a thin glaze is hazardous to travel," warns Weather Network meteorologist Dr. Doug Gillham. 

Timing

Freezing drizzle moves into southern Ontario from the west to east in the mid-morning hours near the end of the commute, and will continue into the early afternoon, albeit scattered in nature for most. Temperatures will then increase in the afternoon, and isolated showers and drizzle will continue through the night.

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Special weather statements were issued early Wednesday morning for parts of Ontario advising the public that freezing rain or drizzle is possible across the region.

GTA impacted

Patchy freezing drizzle is forecast to push into the GTA through the mid-afternoon, with a few areas seeing more persistent freezing drizzle.

Temperatures will increase quickly near the lake shore and below the escarpment, allowing a quicker transition to rain showers. However, areas above the escarpment into the northern GTA may experience three to four hours of lingering freezing drizzle. As we head into the evening commute, sidewalks, bridges, and on/off ramps could be slippery if left untreated as these surfaces take longer to warm up.

Light rain will persist through the night.

Eastern/Central Ontario

As the system approaches late afternoon, areas east of Georgian Bay will see the risk of ice pellets before the freezing rain risk moves in through the late afternoon, continuing through the evening.

Eastern Ontario and higher elevations of central Ontario will see the worst of the freezing rain as it persists for four to six hours.  For Ottawa and eastward this could make for dicey conditions toward the end of the commute.

All eyes on a major weekend storm

Temperatures will continue to rise through the overnight hours on Wednesday, so ice is not a concern on Thursday, but the threat for ice returns on Friday as arctic air surges back into the region. 

A clash of the air masses could set the stage for a disruptive and high impact winter storm Friday night into Saturday. 

"Arctic air spreads back south across the region on Friday with light rain changing to ice and snow," warns Gillham. "Roads will become icy for the afternoon and evening commute with temperatures dropping well below freezing."

Forecasters are keeping a close eye on where the heaviest swath of snow will fall with this system, but a gusty north wind could cause extensive blowing and drifting where fresh snow does hit. 

Be sure to check back often for the latest updates on this incoming storm.  

Watch below: Waves crash over frozen Michigan lighthouse