Winter Storm Warning in Effect: Travel Not Advised
Toronto faces a major winter storm with 15-25 cm of snow, strong winds, and whiteout conditions. Travel is hazardous—stay warm, stay safe, and stay home if possible!
A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect, with 15 to 25 cm of snow expected by this evening—and possibly even more in areas near the Niagara Escarpment and Dundalk Highlands. Peak snowfall rates could reach 3 to 5 cm per hour, making for whiteout conditions and significantly reduced visibility in heavy and blowing snow.
If you don’t absolutely have to travel today, don’t!
Current Conditions: A Snowy and Windy Morning
As of 8:16 AM, the temperature at Toronto Pearson Airport is -6.8°C, but with winds from the northeast at 22 km/h, it feels more like -14°C.
The humidity is high at 93%, and the pressure sits at 99.7 kPa and falling, meaning this storm is still ramping up. Visibility is down to just 1.2 km, so expect tough driving conditions.
Sunday Forecast: A Snowy Mess
The snow will be heavy at times throughout the day, with blowing snow reducing visibility. Winds will increase to 30 km/h, gusting up to 50 km/h, making things feel even colder. The high today will be -4°C, but with the wind chill, it will feel more like -14°C.
If you’re heading outside, expect slippery roads, drifting snow, and treacherous conditions. The UV index is a low 1, but sunburn is the least of our worries today!
Tonight: Snow Eases but Cold Winds Pick Up
The heavy snow will taper off this evening, but don’t celebrate yet—flurries and blowing snow will continue. Winds will shift to northwest at 30 km/h, gusting up to 60 km/h, causing further snow drifting. Temperatures will drop to -11°C, with wind chills making it feel like -14°C this evening and a brutal -22°C overnight.
Monday & Tuesday Outlook: More Snow & Wind
Monday will bring more flurries, with another 2 cm of snow expected. The wind will pick up to 40 km/h, gusting up to 60 km/h, making for blustery and cold conditions. The high will only reach -7°C, but with wind chills of -22°C in the morning and -17°C in the afternoon, it won’t feel any better.
Overnight, cloudy periods and a 40% chance of flurries will keep things unsettled, with a low of -12°C.
Tuesday brings a mix of sun and cloud with a 30% chance of flurries and a high of -8°C, followed by a colder night with a low of -17°C. Wednesday offers some relief with more sun, but the high remains cold at -7°C.
What to Wear: Arctic Gear Required!
This storm isn’t just cold—it’s windy, snowy, and miserable. If you must be outside, bundle up in multiple layers, including a thermal base layer, insulated coat, gloves, scarf, and a toque. Waterproof boots are essential to tackle the deep snow, and goggles or sunglasses will help against blowing snow. Cover all exposed skin to avoid frostbite!
Did You Know? Toronto’s Biggest Snowstorms
Toronto has seen some wild winter storms over the years. One of the worst was the January 1999 blizzard, when 118 cm of snow fell in two weeks, leading to the now-infamous moment when then-Mayor Mel Lastman called in the military to help clear the snow! While today’s storm isn’t quite at that level, 15 to 25 cm in one day will still bring its fair share of chaos.
Stay safe, stay warm, and if you can—stay home!
