Toronto weather: Extreme Cold Warning continues with wind chills of -28°C this morning. Flurries and gusty winds expected. Slight warm-up by Thursday
Current Conditions in Toronto
Good morning, Toronto! It’s a frosty start to the day as the Extreme Cold Warning lingers, but the good news is this Arctic blast is expected to ease up later this morning. As of 6:00 AM EST, it’s -18.2°C at Toronto Pearson International Airport under clear skies. The humidity is at 61%, keeping the air crisp and dry, while the barometric pressure is 103.2 kPa and rising, indicating some stability ahead.
A WSW wind at 13 km/h makes it feel like -26°C, which is enough to make anyone think twice about stepping outside. Visibility is excellent at 24 km, though it’s best admired from a warm spot indoors!
Today’s Forecast: Cold with a Chance of Flurries
Toronto will see a mix of sun and cloud today, with a 40% chance of flurries sneaking in by this afternoon. Winds will pick up from the southwest, reaching speeds of 30 km/h and gusting to 50 km/h, so hold onto your hats and scarves. The high will reach -11°C, but with the wind chill, it’ll feel like -28°C in the morning and -20°C by the afternoon. While temperatures will moderate slightly, frostbite remains a risk, so layer up and cover any exposed skin.
Tonight: Gusty Winds and Flurries
Tonight, the skies will remain mainly cloudy, with a 70% chance of flurries in the evening. The southwest wind will persist at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h, but will ease near midnight. The low will dip to -12°C, with wind chills hovering around -20°C, making for another cold night.
Thursday: Cloudy Skies and a Gradual Warm-Up
Thursday’s temperatures will “warm” slightly, with a high of -6°C. Expect mainly cloudy skies and a 70% chance of flurries. Winds will pick up again, blowing from the southwest at 20 km/h and gusting to 40 km/h by noon. The wind chill will feel like -18°C in the morning and -13°C in the afternoon. While these temperatures are still chilly, they’re a step up from today’s deep freeze. The UV index remains low at 1, so no sunscreen needed.
Thursday night will bring cloudy periods with a 30% chance of flurries, and a low of -11°C.
Looking Ahead: A Gradual Thaw
Friday will bring some sunshine and slightly milder temperatures, with a high of -5°C. Friday night remains calm, with cloudy periods and a low of -10°C.
Saturday continues the trend of moderation, with cloudy skies and a 30% chance of flurries, and a high of -4°C. Saturday night will be cloudy with a 40% chance of flurries and a low of -5°C—a significant improvement from the week’s earlier frigid lows.
Extreme Cold Warning Tips
- Dress in layers to trap heat, with an outer wind-resistant layer to block the biting wind.
- Cover all exposed skin, as frostbite can develop within minutes in current wind chill conditions.
- Check on vulnerable neighbors, family members, and friends to ensure they’re staying warm.
- If it’s too cold for you outside, it’s also too cold for your pets—keep them indoors.
Historic Weather Note
Toronto has seen a range of extremes on January 22nd. The warmest temperature recorded for this date was a spring-like 14.4°C, while the coldest was a teeth-chattering -27.2°C. So while today is cold, it’s nowhere near record-breaking—for that, we’d need temperatures to drop much lower!
What to Wear
Today calls for full winter armor: a heavy insulated coat, thick gloves, a scarf to protect your face, and a warm toque. Thermal base layers will go a long way in keeping you cozy, and don’t forget waterproof boots to navigate any slushy snow. If you’re venturing out this evening, bring hand and foot warmers to stay comfortable.
Weather Trivia for Toronto
Did you know that Toronto’s position along Lake Ontario often shields it from the extreme cold snaps seen further inland? While the lake effect helps moderate winter temperatures, it can also lead to more snow during certain conditions—so it’s a double-edged sword for winter weather!