Toronto and much of southern Ontario are bracing for a significant snowfall event, with lake-effect snow poised to deliver as much as 30+ centimeters in localized areas. The intense burst of winter weather, fueled by frigid air and Lake Ontario, could create near-whiteout conditions and make travel treacherous.
Lake-Effect Snowstorm Targets Southern Ontario
A potent combination of cold air and lake moisture is setting the stage for substantial snowfall accumulations across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.
- Air temperatures in the -10s and -20s Celsius will create light, fluffy snow.
- A band of lake-effect snow is expected to impact areas from Oakville to Toronto to Pickering.
- Accumulations of 20-30+ cm are possible, with the potential for complete whiteouts.
- Frigid temperatures are expected to persist through the end of the month and into February.
What is lake-effect snow, and why is it so intense? Lake-effect snow occurs when cold, dry air passes over relatively warm lake water. The moisture picked up from the lake rises and cools, forming clouds and eventually snow. The longer the air travels over the lake (the “fetch”), the more moisture it collects, and the heavier the snowfall.
An easterly wind off Lake Ontario is driving the current system, creating a concentrated band of snow aimed at portions of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). While the exact location of this band remains somewhat uncertain, communities from Oakville to Toronto and Pickering are at risk of significant accumulations. The fluffy nature of the snow, a result of the extremely cold temperatures, will allow it to accumulate rapidly, potentially overwhelming plowing efforts.
Areas north of Highway 407, including London, Barrie, and extending eastward toward Ottawa, can anticipate 10-20 cm of snow through Monday morning. Any snowfall will remain on the ground, as temperatures are forecast to stay well below the freezing mark for the remainder of January.
Looking ahead, next week promises continued frigid conditions, with daytime highs generally in the minus teens Celsius and overnight lows dipping into the -20s. These colder-than-normal temperatures are expected to linger into the first few days of February. While a brief return to seasonal temperatures is anticipated around February 5, another shift toward colder conditions is possible by mid-February.
WATCH: Snow from Mexico to Toronto? Ontario braces for a big snowstorm
Communities should prepare for challenging travel conditions and potential disruptions due to the heavy snowfall. Stay informed about the latest forecasts and advisories.
