A Slippery Start to the Day – Snowfall and Reduced Visibility Impact Travel
Toronto faces a winter weather advisory with heavy snow and reduced visibility this morning. Snow transitions to rain later today. More snowfall expected Friday
Toronto is waking up to a winter weather advisory this Thursday morning, bringing heavy bursts of snow that could make the morning commute a challenge. With visibility reduced to just 1.2 km at times, drivers should proceed with caution, allowing extra time for travel and staying prepared for sudden changes in road conditions.
Currently, light snow is falling across the city, with a temperature of 0.2°C. The humidity is at a saturated 100%, ensuring a damp and chilly feel to the air. Winds from the north are blowing at 13 km/h, and the barometric pressure is at 100.4 kPa and falling, indicating continued unsettled weather. Snowfall amounts of 2 to 5 cm are expected, though some melting on paved surfaces may lessen accumulation.
The Rest of the Day: A Snowy Morning, Then a Rainy Afternoon
Periods of snow will continue until around noon before transitioning to cloudy skies with a 40% chance of rain showers or flurries. Early this morning, snow could mix with rain, making surfaces especially slick. By this afternoon, winds will shift southwest at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h, helping temperatures rise to a high of 4°C. The UV index remains low at 2.
Tonight, expect mostly cloudy skies with a 60% chance of rain showers or flurries in the evening, decreasing to a 30% chance of flurries late at night. Winds will shift again, coming from the northwest at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h near midnight, with temperatures dropping to -7°C. The wind chill will make it feel like -15°C overnight, so bundle up if you’re heading out late.
Friday and the Weekend: More Snow on the Way
Friday brings another round of snowfall, beginning early in the afternoon and accumulating up to 5 cm. Winds will be gusty, shifting from the northwest at 30 km/h to the south at 20 km/h, making for a brisk day despite a high of +2°C. The morning wind chill will be a bitter -15°C, so winter gear is a must.
Friday night keeps the wintry mix going, with periods of snow or rain and a low of -2°C.
Saturday remains cloudy with a 60% chance of flurries and a high of -2°C, but the night clears up significantly, dropping to a frigid -15°C.
Sunday offers a mix of sun and cloud with a high of -6°C, followed by cloudy periods at night with a low of -13°C.
Monday continues the trend of variable skies with a mix of sun and cloud and a high of -1°C, before clouds return at night with a 30% chance of flurries and a low of -3°C.
What to Wear: Layer Up and Stay Dry
With snow, wind, and fluctuating temperatures in the forecast, layering is key. A warm, waterproof winter jacket, gloves, and a hat are essential, especially with wind chills making it feel significantly colder. If you’re out for the morning commute, waterproof boots will help keep your feet dry in the slushy conditions. By the weekend, heavy winter gear will be necessary as temperatures drop back into deep-freeze territory.
Toronto Weather Trivia: Snowy City Facts
Did you know that Toronto’s biggest one-day snowfall on record happened on December 11, 1944, when a whopping 48 cm of snow fell? While today’s snowfall won’t break any records, it’s a reminder that winter in the city can still pack a punch when it wants to!
Stay safe on the roads and be prepared for more snow as the weekend approaches.
