Special Weather Advisory: Brace for a Midweek Winter Mess

A winter storm is set to hit Toronto Wednesday night, bringing heavy snow, freezing rain, and hazardous travel. Get the latest forecast and travel tips

A Special Weather Statement is in effect for Toronto, with a significant winter storm set to arrive Wednesday evening into Thursday. This system could bring more than 15 cm of snow, poor visibility, local blowing snow, and even the risk of freezing rain.

The exact track of the storm remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—hazardous travel conditions are likely Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Motorists should consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.

Current Conditions: Cold but Calm Before the Storm

As of 6:00 AM at Toronto Pearson International Airport, the temperature sits at -11°C under partly cloudy skies. The wind from the west at 9 km/h is making it feel even colder, with a wind chill of -17°C.

The humidity is 81%, and the pressure is 102.7 kPa but falling, signaling the approaching system. Visibility remains strong at 24 km, but that will change as snow arrives.

Today’s Forecast: A Chilly but Manageable Day

Tuesday will remain mainly cloudy, with a 40% chance of late afternoon flurries. Winds will be light, reaching up to 15 km/h. The high will climb to -2°C, but with wind chills making it feel like -12°C this morning and -4°C in the afternoon, it’s still a day for bundling up. The UV index is a low 2.

Tonight: Flurries and a Drop in Temperatures

Cloudy skies persist tonight, with a 40% chance of early evening flurries. Winds will shift, becoming northeast at 20 km/h late in the evening. Temperatures will dip to -7°C, with wind chills making it feel like -5°C early on and a much colder -14°C overnight.

Wednesday & Thursday: The Winter Storm Arrives

Wednesday, February 12, will start mainly cloudy, with a 40% chance of afternoon flurries before the real action begins. Snow is expected to start late in the afternoon, driven by increasing east winds of 30 km/h. The high will reach -3°C, but the wind chill will hover around -14°C.

By Wednesday night, the storm intensifies. Snow will mix with rain, and winds will pick up significantly. The low will stay near -3°C, making for a messy and slippery night across the city.

Thursday, February 13, will see periods of snow or rain continue throughout the day, accompanied by strong winds. The temperature will briefly climb above freezing to 1°C, increasing the likelihood of freezing rain and icy conditions.

By Thursday night, the storm tapers off, leaving behind cloudy periods with a 30% chance of flurries. Temperatures will drop to -7°C.

Looking Ahead: A Cold but Quieter End to the Week

Friday, February 14, brings a mix of sun and cloud, with a high of -3°C—much calmer than the previous two days. However, by Friday night, clouds return, and there’s a 40% chance of more snow, with a low of -9°C.

What to Wear: Layer Up and Prepare for the Snowstorm

Today and tomorrow, winter coats, hats, gloves, and scarves are essential, with wind chills making it feel much colder than the thermometer suggests. As the storm approaches, waterproof and insulated boots will be crucial for trudging through snow, slush, and possible ice. If you’re out on Wednesday night or Thursday, expect rapidly changing conditions—an umbrella won’t cut it when snow and wind start swirling!

Toronto Weather Trivia: February Snowstorms in the City

Toronto isn’t a stranger to major February snowstorms. One of the biggest hit on February 25, 1965, when a blizzard dumped 39 cm of snow in just 24 hours, bringing the city to a standstill. While this week’s storm isn’t expected to reach that level, it’s still shaping up to be one of the most significant of the season.

Stay warm, stay safe, and if you can, stay off the roads when the worst of the storm hits!