A general view of a street in downtown Toronto as a heavy snowfall affects the greater Toronto area on Monday January 17, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
Toronto residents are bracing for a substantial snowfall expected to hit the city on Friday afternoon and continue into the night. Although spring has officially begun, it seems winter is not ready to loosen its grip just yet.
According to a special weather statement issued by Environment Canada, Toronto is forecasted to receive between five to ten centimeters of snow throughout Friday, starting in the morning and lasting until the evening. This announcement comes as a surprise to many who had hoped for warmer weather with the arrival of spring.
The weather agency advises that the snowfall is likely to intensify as the day progresses, reaching its peak either late in the afternoon or during the evening hours. However, it is expected to taper off by late evening, allowing for some relief from the wintry conditions.
While Environment Canada has provided a range for expected snowfall, they express uncertainty about the exact amounts. They warn that areas near Lake Ontario might experience even higher snow accumulations, and there is a possibility of freezing rain in regions surrounding Lake Erie.
Thursday saw a frigid start to the day, with temperatures feeling as low as -17°C in the morning. The evening is anticipated to bring a further drop in temperature, with a low of -9°C expected. Factor in the wind chill, and it will feel like -12°C overnight. Northwest winds with gusts of up to 40 km/h are also expected to diminish by late evening.
Meteorologist Bill Coulter from CP24 predicts that another weather system will target southern Ontario on Friday. He anticipates that snow flurries will intensify around midday, leading to significant snow accumulation from the afternoon into the early overnight hours. Despite the wintry conditions, Coulter suggests a slight warm-up on Saturday, resulting in melting snow and potentially some puddles forming. However, he assures that seasonably mild weather will return to the region by the middle of the following week.
Looking ahead, Environment Canada forecasts daytime highs of 7°C and 5°C on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. These temperatures offer hope for a gradual transition from winter to spring, signaling the eventual departure of the wintry weather that has persisted longer than expected.
In summary, Toronto residents should prepare for heavy snowfall on Friday, creating potentially hazardous road conditions and prompting the need for extra caution when traveling. While the snow may disrupt daily routines, it serves as a reminder that winter's grasp remains firm, despite the arrival of spring.
