Toronto, grab your scarves! Winter is taking center stage with chilly temperatures, gusty winds, and a frosty mix of snow and rain to keep you on your toes
A Cold and Cloudy Forecast for Toronto
TORONTO – WEATHER – Winter’s chill has settled over Toronto as we head into a weekend of mixed precipitation and falling temperatures. While Friday brings a brief reprieve with above-freezing highs, the cold winds of winter are preparing to tighten their grip as we move into Saturday and beyond.
Friday, January 17 – A Cloudy Start, But Milder Air Sticks Around
This morning kicks off with mostly cloudy skies and a current temperature of -2°C, though it feels more like -8°C thanks to a west-southwest wind at 21 km/h. Barometric pressure is steady at 101.5 kPa and rising, signaling cooler weather ahead. A mix of sun and cloud is expected as the day progresses, with winds picking up to 20 km/h and gusting to 40 km/h near noon. The high will climb to a relatively balmy +2°C, but it’s still brisk with a wind chill of -11°C early on. Visibility is great at 24 km for anyone commuting or planning outdoor activities.
Tonight: Clouds will roll in after midnight, though winds will hold steady at southwest 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h. The temperature will remain steady at +2°C, offering a mild overnight reprieve.
Wardrobe suggestion: A midweight jacket will suffice today, but keep gloves handy to fend off that wind chill.
Historic extremes for January 17: Toronto’s warmest January 17 saw a high of 12°C in 1995, while the coldest hit -26.7°C in 1982.
Saturday, January 18 – Snow and Rain Take the Stage
Morning: Toronto will wake up to cloudy skies and a messy mix of snow and rain beginning early. Expect around 2 cm of snowfall before it tapers off by late afternoon, switching over to a 40% chance of flurries or rain showers. Winds will remain strong, blowing from the southwest at 30 km/h before shifting to northwest 30 km/h by the afternoon.
Afternoon: Temperatures will steadily fall, dropping to -4°C by the afternoon with a wind chill making it feel like -10°C.
Evening: Cloudy periods dominate, with a 60% chance of flurries or rain showers lingering into the night. The temperature will dive further to -10°C, making for a much colder end to the day.
Wardrobe suggestion: Layer up for this mixed bag of weather—waterproof boots for the snow and rain, plus a warm coat to tackle the falling temperatures.
Sunday, January 19 – A Bright Yet Bitter Day
Toronto sees a mix of sun and cloud for Sunday, but don’t let the occasional sunshine fool you—it’s going to be frigid. Temperatures will peak at -9°C, with wind chills making it feel even colder. Overnight, cloudy periods and a 30% chance of flurries persist as the mercury drops to -13°C.
Wardrobe suggestion: Break out the parka and a toque for Sunday, as even the sun won’t warm things up much.
Monday, January 20 – A Frosty Finale
The workweek kicks off with more cloudy skies and a 30% chance of flurries throughout the day. Highs will struggle to climb past -11°C, and the wind chill will make outdoor activities brisk. By night, temperatures will plunge to a bone-chilling low of -18°C.
Wardrobe suggestion: Monday is a “head-to-toe insulation” day. Think thermal layers, heavy gloves, and a face mask if you’ll be spending time outdoors.
Weather Trivia – Toronto’s Battle with Snow
Did you know Toronto’s snowiest day on record happened on December 11, 1944, when a staggering 48 cm of snow fell in a single day? While this weekend’s forecasted 2 cm seems like a dusting in comparison, it’s a good reminder that January weather in Toronto can swing from mild to snowy chaos in the blink of an eye.
Short Overview on Weather
Toronto’s weather forecast for January 17-20, 2025: From mild +2°C highs to snow, rain, and plunging temperatures of -18°C. Winter tightens its grip this weekend.
