Snow Storm Weather Forecast: Toronto Braces For Snow, Freezing Rain And Strong Winds
A special weather statement from Environment Canada warns of a mixed snow and ice event for Toronto on Sunday, part of a broader snow storm weather forecast that also includes strong winds and a risk of power outages extending into Monday. The agency cautioned that travel could be difficult where snow and ice accumulate.
Snow Storm Weather Forecast: What Environment Canada Is Warning
Environment Canada says a slurry of snow and freezing rain is expected in the city Sunday, with two to six centimetres of snow and one to two millimetres of ice buildup forecast. Strong southerly and later southerly-to-westerly wind gusts are expected to reach up to 70 km/h on Sunday, which could bring local blowing snow and reduced visibility. The agency warned that power outages are possible into Monday if winds topple branches or damage utility lines.
Timing, Temperatures And Travel Impacts
The mix of snow and ice pellets is expected in the morning and is forecast to end in the afternoon, with the snow band shifting northward by late afternoon. Saturday will be followed by colder evening conditions, with an overnight low near -5 C feeling like -9 with the wind chill. On Sunday morning, a high near 7 C will feel much colder in the wind, and temperatures are expected to rise again overnight. Reduced visibility and accumulation of snow and ice could make roads and sidewalks slippery, and Environment Canada noted that strong gusts could increase the chance of power interruptions.
Wind Shift, Warm-Up And Conditions Through Midweek
Winds are expected to change direction late Sunday from easterly to southerly and then southwesterly to westerly on Monday. The shift will bring a marked warm-up: Monday could see a daytime high near 12 C with showers in the morning and afternoon, but winds may strengthen further with gusts forecast in the 70 to 90 km/h range. Environment Canada climatologist Dave Phillips described the pattern as an “up-and-down kind of crazy weather, ” noting the swift temperature swings associated with changing wind directions.
After Monday’s warmer conditions and showers, a cooler pattern is expected to return with cloudy skies and a chance of flurries through Tuesday and Wednesday. Gusty conditions should ease by Tuesday morning, but lingering cool temperatures and periodic flurries are expected into midweek.
People in the region are advised to plan for slower travel on Sunday, secure loose outdoor objects, and be prepared for the possibility of brief power outages as the system moves through. Environment Canada will continue to monitor the situation and has issued its special weather statement to highlight the risk posed by the combination of snow, freezing rain and strong winds.
