Ontario Escapes Extreme Cold, Faces Prolonged Winter

Ontario has endured weeks of extreme cold, but signs of relief are emerging. Chief meteorologist Anthony Farnell reports that the harsh arctic air from Siberia and the North Pole has finally retreated. This shift may bring more favorable weather conditions.

End of Extreme Cold in Ontario

Farnell states, “The coldest air of the winter is now behind us.” Over the past weekend, temperatures plummeted, with lows observed in the -20s and -30s. Toronto experienced wind chills that made it feel as cold as -33°C, while Ottawa saw similar conditions, with wind chills reaching -34°C.

Outlook for Upcoming Days

The forecast indicates a transition to milder temperatures for the next several days. Farnell notes that daytime highs are expected to exceed the recent average of -1°C. However, “mild” does not signify temperatures reaching 10°C. Rather, it suggests temperatures will be above freezing, making for a more bearable climate.

Weather Changes and Pattern Shifts

A significant contributor to the change in weather is the movement of the jet stream. A ridge on the West Coast is resulting in spring-like conditions in cities like Vancouver and Calgary. This shift is expected to bring relatively mild air to Ontario, although it will still be cold enough for occasional snowfall.

Future Expectations

While the extreme cold may be waning, Farnell warns that winter is not finished. Ontarians can still anticipate snow in the coming weeks. He adds that the higher temperatures might lead to the gradual melting of substantial snow banks across the province. “This is a break, a February version of the January thaw,” he says.

• Coldest temperatures: -20s to -30s over the past weekend.
• Windchill in Toronto: Feels like -33°C.
• Windchill in Ottawa: Feels like -34°C.
• Future highs: Expected to exceed -1°C.

Despite the current thaw, Farnell emphasizes that residents should remain prepared for snow and cold temperatures extending into late February and March. “This winter is going to be a long, drawn-out affair,” he cautions.