After a shockingly warm December, Toronto may finally see significant winter weather as parts of Ontario are under a winter storm watch.
Environment Canada says snow associated with a "major" winter storm is forecast to arrive Tuesday and continue into Wednesday morning, as it placed parts of central and eastern Ontario under a storm watch.
A special weather statement has been issued for parts of the Greater Toronto Area, including Newmarket and Caledon, where the agency is calling for upwards of 10 centimetres of snow and a risk of freezing rain.
Environment Canada says weather warnings may be issued as the storm gets closer.
On Monday, the skies are looking cloudy with a 30 per cent chance of flurries in the morning with a high of 3 C and a wind chill low of -3 C. The low is expected to be 0 C in the evening.
Peter Kimbell, Environment and Climate Change Canada's Warning Preparedness Meteorologist said the GTA is getting some snow beginning tomorrow, about five centimetres. Further north in northern parts of York Region and Durham Region, an estimated 10 to 15 centimetres of snowfall is expected.
As temperatures rise above 0 C, that will all change to rain, Kimbell said.
"There will be some impact on the roads particularly tomorrow during the day before the temperature goes above zero" Kimbell said. He advises motorists to reduce their speed and be extra vigilant during the day when the snow is falling as visibility will be impacted. Significant slush can also be expected on the roads Tuesday as temperatures near 0 C.
You might be interested in
"It will be a difficult day but certainly not the worst that we've seen," Kimbell added.
TTC winter storm
TTC said it is preparing for tomorrow’s expected winter storm and will work to get those who need to travel to and from their destinations safely.
"With a forecasted mix of heavy snow, rain, and gusty winds, motorists are encouraged to leave their cars at home and take transit," the TTC said in a release Monday.
Extra TTC employees and maintenance vehicles will be made available to spread salt, clear surfaces of snow and ensure that signals, switches and overhead power are operating.
The TTC said it will also be monitoring 56 bus stops in areas where heavy snow and freezing rain are known to impact bus service.
TTC advises all commuters to allow extra time for travel and check their website or follow them on X for updates. Commuters taking buses are advised to check if their bus stop is in service before they travel by visiting the TTC service changes website.
Friday could also bring the second winter storm this week
On Wednesday, the skies are expected to be cloudy again but this time with a higher chance of flurries or rain showers sitting at 60 per cent. The high will be 3 C during the day. At night, there will be a 40 per cent chance of flurries with a low of -2 C.
On Thursday, the skies will be cloudy with a 60 per cent chance of flurries and a daytime high of 0 C. At night, the per cent chance of flurries will drop to 30 per cent with a low of -5 C.
On Friday, the daytime high is -2 C. There may be a 40 per cent chance of flurries at night with a low of -5 C.
Kimbell said that at this point, it is too early to say whether the storm system moving in on Friday to Saturday night will behave the same as Tuesday's system, which is largely expected to turn into rain.
Significant Weather Outlook for Tuesday👇
— ECCC Weather Ontario (@ECCCWeatherON) January 8, 2024
A winter storm is expected Tuesday & Wednesday ❄️ 🧊💧
➡️ Rain & snow for southwestern ON, Golden Horseshoe & along Lake ON.
➡️ Snow, blowing snow, freezing rain & ice pellets for central, eastern & northeastern ON.#ONStorm #ONwx pic.twitter.com/ZhrrgrSxxv
He said if Friday's storm does not turn into rain and accumulation remains snowy, then the impact will be "significantly greater."
"And that is a possibility that it may just be snow so we are watching Friday night into Saturday because that has got the potential to be a significant weather system," Kimbell added.
On Saturday, there is a 60 per cent chance of flurries with a high of -3 C. At night, the low will drop significantly to -9 C with a 30 per cent chance of flurries.
On Sunday, Toronto can finally see a mix of sun and cloud. There is a 30 per cent chance of flurries with a high of -5 C.
"It's been relatively warmer than average in December and also for the first part of January but we are seeing some significantly cold air move into Western Canada later this week," Kimbell said. "Winter has been slow to arrive but it will come."
The heaviest snow is predicted for central Ontario, including Sault Ste. Marie and Greater Sudbury, where Environment Canada is calling for between 15 and 30 centimetres starting Tuesday afternoon.
Ottawa and the surrounding area are also under a storm watch with Environment Canada predicting 10 to 20 centimetres of snow, possibly turning into freezing rain and ice pellets Tuesday night.
With files from The Canadian Press.
Anyone can read Conversations, but to contribute, you should be a registered Torstar account holder. If you do not yet have a Torstar account, you can create one now (it is free).
To join the conversation set a first and last name in your user profile.
Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation