Bursts of snow, rough travel in parts of Ontario, 15+ cm
theweathernetwork.com
Wednesday, March 14, 2018, 6:23 PM - Ontario remains on the outer edge of the latest potent nor'easter impacting Atlantic Canada, but wrap around moisture is leading to heavy bursts of snow and dangerous travel in some places. A risk for a significant snow storm is also creeping into the forecast for early next week and at this point, there are no double digit temperatures in sight through early April. More on the ongoing winter below.
Visit our Complete Guide to Spring 2018 for an in depth look at the Spring Forecast, tips to plan for it and much more.
Lake effect off Georgian Bay, dangerous commute
Northeasterly winds off of Georgian Bay have been creating a steady snow for areas from roughly Creemore to Singhampton to the south of Thornbury with up to 15 cm possible through Wednesday.
"These heavy bursts of snow have been happening for the last couple of days across parts of southern Ontario with a quick burst impacting drivers before it departs and visibility improves again," says Weather Network meteorologist Erin Wenckstern.
The snow lifts out of southwestern Ontario and the Great Toronto Area by Wednesday afternoon, but behind it, cooler winds will kick up some more lake effect snow off of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron on Thursday.
"So watch again for more targeted bands of snowfall across southwestern Ontario," Wenckstern says.
"Long duration snowfall" in eastern Ontario
A special weather statement is in effect for parts of eastern Ontario warning for up to 20 cm of snow.
"A trough of low pressure will remain over eastern Ontario, resulting in a long duration snowfall," says Environment Canada. "Snowfall amounts of 15 to 20 cm are expected over far eastern Ontario."
Travel may be impacted in areas of heavy snow as roads and walkways may become snow covered and slippery. The snow is expected to taper by Thursday morning.
Watch for black ice
Another travel hazard this week: black ice. With above freezing temperatures throughout the day for many places, most of the snow that falls will melt upon contact.
"But then when temperatures fall through the overnight hours, a lot of that could turn into black ice on the roads," says Wenckstern.
By Friday, cooler air moving in aloft will send temperatures falling below seasonal as daytime highs struggle to break the freezing mark. So beware of slick spots, especially on bridges and overpasses.
No persistent warmth through early April, PLUS significant snowfall threat
Although temperatures are expected to rise above seasonal values this upcoming weekend, the warm-up is brief and unimpressive at this point with the chilly pattern resuming next week in time for the official start to spring on Tuesday.
"In fact, we are closely monitoring the potential for a significant snowfall for parts of southern Ontario from a system tracking south of the Great Lakes Monday night and Tuesday," says Weather Network meteorologist Dr. Doug Gillham. "It is too early to know to what extent this will impact the Golden Horseshoe, but it is definitely a system to watch."
Ironically, the final two weeks of February may prove to be more spring-like than what we see during the second half of March, Gillham adds.
"At this point we do not expect any persistent stretch of above seasonal temperatures through early April, and currently there no double digit temperatures in sight," says Gillham.
Check for up-to-date detailed analysis on the weather in the Golden Horseshoe, here
