Toronto on Thin Ice: Freezing Rain Threatens a Slippery Saturday Night
Slippery Situations and Umbrellas on Standby
Weather Watch for Toronto – Saturday, March 29, 2025
Toronto is waking up under mostly cloudy skies and a big red flag from Environment Canada. A Special Weather Statement is in effect, warning of significant freezing rain tonight into Sunday morning, with potential ice accretion of 3 to 5 mm. If you’ve been hoping to bust out the spring sneakers—today’s not the day.
At 6:22 AM, the temperature is sitting at 0.7°C with 100% humidity, and the wind is gently blowing in from the southeast at 10 km/h. Barometric pressure is at 101.2 kPa and rising, suggesting a system is moving in. Visibility remains decent at 13 km for early risers, though it’s best to stay indoors with hot coffee and caution.
Today’s Forecast: Rain Reigns for Now
Expect periods of rain throughout the day, with a total rainfall of 5 mm. Winds will pick up slightly from the east at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h, and temperatures will climb no higher than 2°C. The UV index is low at 2, so no need for sunglasses—but you’ll want an umbrella and waterproof footwear.
Tonight’s Transition: Rain to Ice
As the temperature dips to zero, the rain will transition into freezing rain, setting the stage for slick sidewalks, ice-coated windshields, and possibly some downed tree branches or power lines. Freezing rain warnings are expected to replace the special weather statement by nightfall. Ice accretion could reach 3 to 5 mm, enough to make Sunday morning a skating rink without the fun.
Sunday and Beyond: Slippery Start, Then Mild
Sunday, March 30, begins with freezing rain, changing over to a few rain showers by morning as temperatures crawl up to a milder 5°C. Winds continue from the east at 20 km/h, and the rain tally will again hit around 5 mm. By Sunday night, regular old rain returns, with a low of +3°C—definitely damp, but a bit safer.
Monday brings a spring tease, with showers and a high of 15°C, but don’t get too cozy: the night drops sharply to -4°C with a 30% chance of flurries. Classic Ontario mood swing.
Historic Toronto Weather Trivia
On this date in Toronto, the record high was 24.5°C (1945)—a far cry from today’s chilly outlook. The record low was a frosty -17.8°C (1923), so while we’re dealing with freezing rain, at least it’s not a deep freeze!
What to Wear in the 6ix Today
Layer up and waterproof down. A raincoat with a warm inner lining, waterproof boots with good traction, and a hat that can handle drizzle will serve you best. Be cautious of slick sidewalks tonight and tomorrow morning—ice cleats aren’t a bad idea if you’re walking.
Did You Know?
Toronto’s downtown core can actually be a degree or two warmer than surrounding suburbs due to the urban heat island effect—which can make the difference between sleet and freezing rain. So while Scarborough might be skating, downtown might just be soggy!
