Heavy snow and flurries in the forecast this week for southern Ontario
Published January 7, 2024 at 6:10 pm
Residents of Mississauga, Brampton, Halton, Hamilton and surrounding areas, shouldn’t stash away those shovels and snowblowers just yet. The next storm is knocking, and it could be the most treacherous one so far this winter in southern Ontario.
Last week, many people in the region rang in the New Year with snow, making way for more wintry weather as Environment Canada issued advisories of a storm brewing which included freezing rain, cold temperatures and 5 to 10 cm of snow.
This week the frigid temperatures are set to return with heavy snowfall and rain.
As of today (Jan. 7) it will be mainly cloudy with a high of 3 C and a 30 per cent chance of flurries in the evening. Wind speeds will slightly pick up to 15 km/h as temperatures will drop to -4 C, but will feel like -9 C—making it the chilliest day compared to the rest of the week.
Monday will see mostly cloudy skies with a high of 3 C and a morning windchill of -7 C. Wind speeds of 15 to 20 km/h are expected, reaching 40 km/h by the evening. Temperatures will also fall to -2 C overnight.
According to Environment Canada, temperatures will rise to 5 C on Tuesday—marking it as the warmest day of the week. Rain and snow will be present throughout the day and carry into the night with temperatures dipping to -1 C.
Meteorologists predict a high chance of rain or snow—70 per cent to be exact— on Wednesday as temperatures hover around 2 C. As night falls, clouds will take over the skies, with a 30 per cent chance of snow and temperatures reaching below -3 C.
Additionally, The Weather Network says a Texas low is gearing up for a continent-wide winter storm, as an expansive low-pressure system develops in central U.S.
It will pull cold air from the north, warm and humid air from the south and generate significant energy rapidly.
Due to these conditions, residents can anticipate snow, substantial rain, robust winds, and a possible mix of ice pellets and freezing rain.
Southern Ontario could see heavy and wet snow on Tuesday, shifting to rainfall overnight as Gulf warmth moves north.
Residents should brace for 2 to 8 cm of wet snow in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) before the weather transitions to torrential rainfall of approximately 20-30 mm.
Meteorologists say, strong winds originating from the southwest and shifting to southwesterly by early Wednesday, are expected. Wind speeds of up to 60 km/h across Lake Erie and Lake Ontario are anticipated, potentially hitting 90 km/h.
During this time, widespread travel disruptions are also a possibility on Tuesday and Wednesday. Driver’s are advised to be prepared and plan ahead.
“Normally, this is a low you would expect to see in in April, not January,” The Weather Network notes.
Cloudy skies are in the forecast for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with the chance of flurries. However, on Friday the region might see up to 10 cm of snow. Daytime highs will range between 0 C and -3 C, while the evenings will bring temperatures as low as -5 C.
